Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has had loads of struggles during its development, but Warner Bros. Games plans to double down on its troublesome live-service elements going forward.
Warner Bros. has been dabbling in the games-as-a-service model for some time now. Back 4 Blood, the so-called successor to Left 4 Dead, included numerous cosmetic items and skins that were hidden behind the game’s annual pass and other special editions. Gotham Knights wasn’t a live-service game per se and had a robust single-player offering, but it had live-service elements such as its approach to multiplayer, unlockable cosmetics, and upgradable gear.
This live-service approach is also being shoehorned into the upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. A gameplay showcase in February revealed gear, weapon perks, and other elements commonly associated with live service games. This has seen the direction of WB Games become a hot topic among gamers. The company’s CEO recently confirmed that the live-service model the plan for Warner Bros. Games moving forward.
Warner Bros. Games going all-in on live-service games
Warner Bros. is looking to increase the amount of time gamers spend playing its games by introducing live services, free-to-play elements, and post-release monetization options.
“Our focus is on transforming our biggest franchises from largely console and PC-based with three-four year release schedules to include more always-on gameplay through live services, multiplatform and free-to-play extensions,” CEO David Zaslav said in an earnings call.
The success of major multiplayer games such as Fortnite and League of Legends has seen publishers scramble to find ways to keep fans coming back to games and keep them spending money, often unsuccessfully. This approach has been seen in some previous releases from Warner Bros. Games.
Long before Back 4 Blood, Middle-Earth: Shadow of War had an unpopular loot box and asynchronous multiplayer system that was eventually dropped from the game. Though Back 4 Blood and Shadow of War both launched to generally positive reviews, Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League has seemingly been yanked around by this change in direction from Warner Bros. Games.
Is Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League a live-service game?
PlayStation confirmed that Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will be a live-service game that requires a constant online connection, even in single-player, and a Battle Pass.
The game has been delayed several times. At present, Warner Bros. Games has Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League slated for a February 2, 2024 release.
In February, fans got a glimpse of the Live Service-esque gameplay in a 15-minute presentation. A separate FAQ release alongside the showcase also confirmed the always-online requirement and that PlayStation Plus and Xbox Live Gold subscriptions will be required on consoles for players who want to enjoy the game via online co-op. The showcase and live-service elements caused many fans to downvote the video, which is made explicit in the comments section.
The Battle Pass will also feature both free and premium tiers that will require optional in-game purchases. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will have free post-launch content updates to expand the story with new missions and unlockable characters. There will be no loot boxes in the game, according to Warner Bros. Games.