(Image credit: WB Games)
One of the intriguing missed opportunities in licensed gaming history revolves around Pandemic’s adaptation of The Dark Knight, which surprisingly never made it to the shelves. The only film from the critically acclaimed Christopher Nolan Batman trilogy to be adapted into a game was the 2005 release, Batman Begins, a game that had its own set of challenges.
Interestingly, there was almost a groundbreaking original game rooted in the Nolan universe under development by the now-defunct Monolith Productions. Last year, enthusiasts got a glimpse into this project’s details, learning it was the birthplace of the Nemesis System, which later made a name for itself in Shadow of Mordor.
Laura Fryer, who previously held the position of general manager at WB Games, unveiled additional insights into why this ambitious project was ultimately halted. In a revealing YouTube video titled ‘My Time with Monolith,’ Fryer showcased rare footage from the unfinished Batman game. Described as an immersive open-world experience, this title would have allowed gamers to dive into missions with varied tactics like combat or stealth elements.
Despite the excitement within the team, Fryer noted that the project was abandoned in 2011, a period coinciding with the development of the popular Batman: Arkham City. She explained, “WB was thrilled about our progress and had asked us to operate in stealth mode until we secured the conversation with Nolan.” However, the anticipated discussion didn’t go as planned. When they finally connected with Nolan, his reluctance halted progress. His concerns stemmed primarily from the previous Batman Begins game, which he deemed a “disaster” and didn’t want to experience another debacle.
There was contemplation to delay the game until after The Dark Knight Rises premiered, but leadership’s impatience led to its shelving in 2011. Many developers from this team subsequently channeled their skills toward creating the Lord of the Rings MOBA, Guardians of Middle Earth.
Fryer also highlighted that the innovative Nemesis System was conceived partly because WB sought to diminish second-hand game sales, showcasing the industry’s constant battle against the pre-owned market.