Square Enix had previously signed a multi-game licensing deal to produce Marvel video games. Marvel’s Avengers is being developed by Crystal Dynamics (Tomb Raider), and we got our first trailer during E3 2019, as well as a release date: May 15, 2020 on PC, PlayStation 4, Stadia, and Xbox One.
Although the game stars the heroes from the original 2012 Avengers film (sans Hawkeye, apparently), Square did not have the likeness rights to the actors, nor did they try to tell the same stories as the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Instead, Marvel’s Avengers will include an all new story that takes the superheroes in a darker new direction.
“As super fans, working with Marvel and these characters is a dream come true and we are excited to finally reveal Marvel’s Avengers to the world,” said Scot Amos, Head of Studio, Crystal Dynamics. “This is our original take on these iconic Super Heroes. Leveraging our companies’ combined experience in epic action-adventure storytelling, we’re building a universe that fans will immerse themselves in for years to come.”
The story includes a catastrophic accident during an Avengers celebration, which leads to city-wide destruction and the banning of superheroes. The game takes place five years later as a new threat emerges, and the Avengers must reassemble to battle it.
Marvel’s Avengers will feature single player and co-op multiplayer for up to four players. The game has not yet been rated by the ESRB. Pre-orders are available now.
