Activision has come out to announce that Beenox, developer of the very solid Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, has been given the reigns to develop all future Spider-Man titles. Citing the tremendous praise lavished on Shattered Dimensions, including the title of Wizard Magazine’s Game of the Year, Activision feels confident that Beenox have proven themselves competent enough to take over.
Reinvigorating the franchise through its use of multiple Spider-Man storylines and a less open-world experience, Shattered Dimensions took the web-slinger to a totally new place. For most, including Game Rant (read our review), this decision paid off, keeping the pace going and always giving the gamer something to do. Beenox’s first Spider-Man game was a hit, so it’s no surprise that Activision would give them a chance to repeat that success.
One question that lingers after hearing this announcement is whether or not Beenox will be making a movie tie-in game. With a Spider-Man reboot currently in production, and slated for release some time in 2012, it stands to reason that if Beenox is working on another Spider-Man game, it will most likely release in the same year.
There was no confirmation as to whether or not a movie tie-in game would be Beenox’s next Spidey, but two things point toward Beenox having creative freedom. When speaking about Beenox’s success, Activision’s VP Patrick Kelly said:
“Beenox’s creative vision reinvigorated the Spider-Man gaming experience among critics and fans in Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions. We can’t wait to see where this talented studio will take this franchise in the future.”
What most should take this to mean is that Beenox’s future Spider-Man titles will be of their own design. Having come up with such a creative idea for Shattered Dimensions, it stands to reason that, if given free reign again, they would deliver a similarly intriguing idea.
After being told the news, Beenox was quick to respond in a manner that also suggests they are in control, saying:
“We are thrilled with this opportunity to continue our close, collaborative relationship with Activision, Marvel and everyone’s friendly, neighborhood hero, Spider-Man. Being able to map out Spider-Man’s interactive future gives us the creative freedom to really craft the best gaming experience for the fans.”
The hope here is that Beenox doesn’t become relegated to developing Spider-Man movie tie-in games, and that they will have the freedom to expand upon their multi-dimensional idea in order to keep the high praise coming. Whatever they do, gamers should be looking forward to more Spider-Man action.
What do you think of the decision to dub Beenox the Spider-Man developer of the future? Are you interested in seeing Beenox deliver a sequel in the same vein as Shattered Dimensions, or something altogether new?