Summary
Following the devastating ransomware attack that hit Insomniac Games at the end of 2023, the studio’s alleged slate of in-development projects was leaked. According to these leaked internal documents, Insomniac plans to releasea Venom half-sequel in 2025,Marvel’s Wolverinein 2026, a third installment ofMarvel’s Spider-Manin 2027, and finally, anX-Mengame in 2028.
While Insomniac hasn’t confirmed if any of these games – aside fromMarvel’s Wolverine– are in development, it would make sense for the studio to set its sights on the iconic team of super-powered Mutants after it tests the waters withWolverine. But theX-Menhave had plenty of video game adaptations before, and if Insomniac’s game is going to stand out from the crowd, it might be best for it to avoid the team’s most common adversary.
Insomniac’s X-Men Shouldn’t Rush a Magneto Villain Arc
Magneto Is The Most Common X-Men Villain
By far the most popular villain associated with the X-Men, Magneto has been a thorn in the team’s side since its very beginning, all the way back in 1963. An antagonist with a deeply tragic backstory and some very understandable motivations, Magneto’s complexity has made him not just the X-Men’s greatest foe, but one ofthe best villains in the entire Marvel universe. Naturally, Insomniac may want to use Magneto asMarvel’s X-Men’s big bad, but it should try and refrain from doing so.
While Magneto is a beloved character, he’s been a focal point of just about every X-Men adaptation over the last few decades, from the various Fox-producedX-Menmovies to games likeMarvel Ultimate Alliance 3, and the most recent example,X-Men ‘97, where his portrayal steals the show. There’s more than enough complexity to Magneto’s character to make each of these iterations feel fresh and exciting, but Insomniac using Magneto as theprimary villain inMarvel’s X-Menmight be the straw that breaks the camel’s back, especially if the MCU’s version of the character beats Insomniac to the punch.
Insomniac Should Build Up to a Magneto Villain Arc
When it came to picking a main antagonist forInsomniac’sMarvel’s Spider-Man, the developer didn’t just rush straight to Green Goblin or Venom. Instead, Insomniac put the lesser-known Mr. Negative at the forefront of the game’s marketing and the first half of its story. Along the way, Insomniac teased an eventual appearance of the Green Goblin, something that its sequel continued to build upon ahead of an inevitable third installment. It might be wise for Insomniac to follow a similar approach withMarvel’s X-Men.
Rather than rush straight to Magneto,Insomniac’s first X-Men gamecould focus on a different classic X-Men villain, with there being plenty to choose from. According to the leaks, Mr. Sinister could appear inMarvel’s Wolverine, and it’d make sense for him to return inMarvel’s X-Men. The Sentinels and all of their related villains would be another great pick for Insomniac’s first X-Men game. It’d also be great to see some less-explored villains take the spotlight inMarvel’s X-Men, such as the Shadow King. With these villains in the central antagonist role, Insomniac could gradually build to a big Magneto reveal in its X-Men sequel, teasing the villain through dialogue and a post-credits scene beforehand, building excitement for the otherwise expected adversary.
Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
WHERE TO PLAY
Spider-Men Peter Parker and Miles Morales face the ultimate test of strength inside and outside the mask as they fight to save the city, each other and the ones they love, from the monstrous Venom and the dangerous new symbiote threat.Explore an expansive Marvel’s New York with faster web-swinging and the all-new Web Wings, quickly switching between Peter and Miles to experience different stories, epic new abilities and high-tech gear.Wield Peter’s symbiote abilities and Miles’ explosive bio-electric powers in battle against new and iconic Marvel Super Villains – including an original take on a symbiote-infused Venom, the ruthless Kraven the Hunter, the volatile Lizard, and more from the Marvel Rogues’ Gallery.
