Following the launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, fans are already raising their voices in favor of a spin-off game focusing on the iconic Marvel character, Venom.
The villain-turned-anti-hero is no stranger to solo escapades in both the comic books and the cinematic universe. Given Insomniac Games’ track record and mastery over the Spider-Man universe, this kind of a project seems right up there alley.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is still in the early stages of its release, but it’s already the highest-rated game in the Insomniac-led Spider-Man series and one of the best games of the past decade. With the game following the massive footsteps of its predecessors – both of which combine to sell over 33 million copies – it might not be the worst idea to speculate on what might come next from the acclaimed studio. The studio’s adept handling of the Marvel universe thus far, from the narrative to character design, suggests that any direction they decide to go would have the backing of their passionate fan base.
The potential of a Venom spin-off was discussed by Jon Paquette, the senior narrative director of Spider-Man 2. As part of a recent interview with Insider, Paquette was queried directly about the demand for a standalone outing. Opting for a cautious approach, he mentioned that the team would “wait to see how the fans react” post Spider-Man 2’s release. It’s clear from this statement that the developers, while intrigued by the idea, want to gauge public opinion before making any commitments. The narrative director also noted that, before anything could progress, the team would take a well-deserved break and possibly prioritize their upcoming Wolverine title.
Paquette’s acknowledgment that the team drew from a rich tapestry of Venom stories in Marvel Comics for inspiration reveals their dedication to authenticity. The success of their approach is underscored by the positive feedback they’ve received from even Venom’s co-creator. Their unique rendition of Venom could indeed lead to his solo gaming venture.
However, it’s not only the dedicated game that’s a possible trajectory for Venom. Paquette entertained the possibility of incorporating Venom into a larger narrative, much like in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, where players can seamlessly switch between Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
Whether it’s a standalone adventure or an integrated role in a larger game – the direction is still uncertain, but it’s clear that the interest, both from the developers and fans, is there.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s release was undeniably one of the most awaited events of the console generation. The previous games, including the Miles Morales spin-off, solidified Insomniac Games’ reputation for delivering engrossing narratives within the Spider-Man universe. Teasers from the first game indicated the arrival of Venom in the follow-up, keeping its fans on the edge of their seats. Now, with the sequel’s launch, gamers and fans alike are curious about the next chapter in this saga.
The Venom symbiote was introduced in an intriguing manner at the end of 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man where it was used as a treatment for Peter Parker’s friend, Harry Osborn. In the current title, the much-awaited character is unleashed in New York City, with the game’s narrative director expressing his hopes for it to be among the best Venom stories to date. A unique touch to the character is the voice, provided by Candyman star, Tony Todd, adding a layer of depth and familiarity for fans.
Paquette reminisced about drawing inspiration from Venom’s comic book history, referencing iconic arcs such as Secret Wars and more. These narratives, coupled with the distinct flavor Insomniac brings to the table, make the prospect of a Venom-centric story even more thrilling.
It isn’t unusual for developers to leave DLCs and post-launch expansions on the backburner, revisiting such ideas only after they’ve finished working on the base game and seen its success. The exact same thing happened to Final Fantasy 16 earlier this year and a similar situation might be unfolding over at Santa Monica Studio with God of War: Ragnarok.
Of course, we wouldn’t put it past Insomniac to be playing coy and dropping hints if only to enhance demand.
Insomniac Games’ trajectory with Spider-Man titles, their upcoming Wolverine game, and the potential for the Venom spin-off have undoubtedly placed the studio in a revered spot. For Spider-Man fans, the dream scenario might be to play as an anti-hero Venom, toggling between iconic characters like Miles and Peter, thus deepening their immersive experience in the Marvel universe.
For now though, fans can look forward to playing Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 on the PS5. But, the more patient ones might want to wait until November 8, which is when the PlayStation 5 Slim, bundled with Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, will be available to buy, as per the most recent leaks.
