The Arkham series has been the gold standard for Batman video games since “Arkham Asylum” launched back in 2009. Since that pivotal release, we’ve seen multiple Arkham sequels, mostly driven by the creative minds at Rocksteady. Yet, the Arkham universe has encountered some bumps in recent times. The dawn of 2024 saw Batman stepping aside for “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” which was expected to usher fans into a new phase of the series.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned, prompting Rocksteady to cease further development on this live-service game, closing its chapter in the Arkhamverse with lingering questions about what comes next. Recently, Jason Schreier from Bloomberg hinted that Rocksteady might be circling back to Batman-centric projects. While it’s important to be cautious with these rumors until validated, the possibility of diving back into Batman games raises the question: could the shelved Project Sabbath’s concepts from WB Games Montreal see the light of day again?
The axed Project Sabbath was anticipated to steer the Arkham series into unexplored territory. Set a decade after “Arkham Knight,” it was poised to introduce Damian Wayne as the new Batman. Although the project did not materialize, leaked concept art has fueled interest, suggesting a tantalizing narrative that we never got to experience.
With the success of last year’s VR spin-off, “Arkham Shadow” by Camouflaj, there’s a growing belief that Batman’s presence could reignite interest in the Arkhamverse. Rocksteady could tap into Project Sabbath’s unused ideas, offering a fresh twist for new Arkham endeavors.
Now let’s delve into what’s known about Project Sabbath. Damian Wayne’s Batsuit was reminiscent of the stylish “Batman Beyond” series. Bruce Wayne featured as a senior figure, while Dick Grayson would have been portrayed as middle-aged. Following the depletion of Bruce’s financial influence on Gotham City’s humanitarian services, the city would have seen increased decay and crime rates. Fans could have expected to face off against iconic villains like Gorilla Grodd, The Penguin, and Flamingo.
Adding another intriguing layer, a revived Poison Ivy was also slated to appear in Project Sabbath, ultimately finding her way into “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.”
Rocksteady, after the ups and downs with “Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,” has its work cut out. Bouncing back isn’t going to be a walk in the park, but reviving Project Sabbath could be the breath of fresh air that the Arkham series desperately needs.
The whole gaming community eagerly waits for Rocksteady’s next move. Warner Bros. has had a turbulent year beyond just Suicide Squad’s challenges. From the discontinuation of MultiVersus to the uncertain progression of Monolith’s Wonder Woman game, triumphs are needed across its studios.
There’s also the lingering question of who would step into the shoes of Bruce Wayne with Kevin Conroy’s passing. Although Roger Craig Smith voiced Batman in “Arkham Shadows,” whether he will continue in future titles remains up in the air.
Even amidst trials, “Arkham Shadow” emerged as a beacon of hope, proving that robust Arkhamverse narratives still hold potential. While Rocksteady’s plans to revisit Project Sabbath remain uncertain, these unexpected twists could turn out to be a hidden asset for the studio.
