Insomniac Games has been on a massive hot streak over the last few years. Beginning with the release of Sunset Overdrive in 2014, the developer has been putting out consistently great games. While this is not too surprising given its past work with franchises like Spyro The Dragon, it is hard not to notice how much the developer has improved in recent years.
Since becoming part of the PlayStation Studios roster, Insomniac has released two excellent Marvel’s Spider-Man games and Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart. The developer is not slowing down, though, as its huge role in 2021’s PlayStation Showcase and confirmation of a multiplayer project have players very optimistic about the future. While 2022 will likely not see gamers playing any new Insomniac games, they will likely get several looks at what the studio is working on.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s Presence In 2022
Though Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is scheduled to release in 2023, fans can expect several showings of the game throughout 2022. The last half of the year, in particular, should be an eventful time for fans of the wall-crawler, as another PlayStation Showcase is likely. It makes sense for the game to get its next showing at a larger event, and given that the 2021 Showcase was where Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was revealed, Sony showing it off again at 2022’s PlayStation Showcase would not be too surprising.
With the game dropping sometime next year, it makes sense for marketing to intensify as 2022 goes on. Not only will Sony want to promote the next Marvel's Spider-Man game as soon as possible due to the success of the first two entries in the series, but Insomniac will have more to show the further it gets into development. Gamers will likely see a gameplay trailer of some kind this year, showing off how Miles and Peter will play in the sequel. A setpiece moment could also be shown off via a gameplay demonstration, similar to how Marvel’s Spider-Man’s Mr. Negative helicopter chase was put on display at E3 2017.
It would make sense for Insomniac to share some details about Marvel’s Spider-Man 2’s narrative as well. These insights could come in the form of blog posts or a story trailer that explains the roles of Venom and Kraven. PlayStation Blog posts could also touch on new mechanics like the rumored Symbiote suit variants, and fans may even get a specific 2023 release date for the game this year. While a dedicated State of Play like what has been seen with Horizon Forbidden West is unlikely to happen until closer to release, 2022 could still bring a lot of info and footage for Spidey fans to dissect.
Marvel’s Wolverine’s Presence In 2022
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Part of what made Insomniac’s PlayStation Showcase appearance so special is that it did not just announce the next Marvel’s Spider-Man game. The developer also revealed Marvel’s Wolverine, shocking fans with the confirmation that Logan will be getting a dedicated single-player game. While this is obviously exciting, and the brief teaser trailer was promising, it is important to keep in mind that the game currently has no release date.
While Insomniac was confident enough to attach a 2023 release window to its Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 trailer, it did not do the same with Marvel’s Wolverine. This implies that the game is further off, likely coming in 2024 at the earliest. This would make sense, as it is being made by the same team that created Spider-Man: Miles Morales. With that game launching in late 2020, it can be assumed that Marvel’s Wolverine is still very early in development.
Still, fans have gotten a few bits of information about the project since it was unveiled, including teases that it will be violent and confirmation that Spec Ops: The Line writer Walt Williams will be helping craft the game’s narrative. Small teasers like this could be seen throughout 2022, while the next PlayStation Showcase could provide a trailer for the game. This trailer will likely not feature gameplay, but it could work like the Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 reveal trailer, confirming the game’s villains and its overall tone.
A story trailer could give players a look at Logan’s design, confirm an M-rating, and showcase the game’s setting. While Insomniac works fast and there is a small chance for something more in-depth to be released, fans should keep their expectations in check, as 2022 is likely Spider-Man’s year to shine.
Insomniac’s Unannounced Multiplayer Game
While Insomniac has a lot on its plate with its two massive Marvel projects, the developer also has a third title in the works. Currently, there are no details on the game apart from a multiplayer focus, as it was revealed via one of the studio’s official job listings. Given Insomniac’s speed and ability to surprise PlayStation owners, there is a small chance that this project gets properly revealed some time in 2022.
As for what this project could be, several Insomniac franchises could fit the mold. If the multiplayer project takes a PvP approach, fans could see the grand return of the Resistance franchise. Many would surely love the possibility to battle against the Chimera again, though it is far from the only option. PvE multiplayer could be the focus, meaning that players may get access to a co-op experience in the form of a new Sunset Overdrive title. Yet another option would see a new Ratchet and Clank game taking a co-op approach. With the series going in that direction before, and the two playable Lombaxes Rivet and Ratchet set up for a new adventure, a co-op entry could be intriguing.
While all these options have potential, it is important to note that there are no concrete details about Insomniac’s multiplayer game beyond the fact that it is in development. As such, any guesses are speculatory, as the game could build off an established IP or kickstart an entirely new franchise. If it is revealed in 2022, fans can expect the trailer to be brief like what was seen with Marvel’s Wolverine. Regardless of whether details on the multiplayer game surface this year, it is clearly a good time to be a fan of Insomniac Games.