Microsoft reportedly turned down the exclusive rights to develop Marvel games, including IPs such as Spider-Man and more.
As reported by VGC, in a new book from author Steven L. Kent entitled “The Ultimate History of Video Games, Volume 2” it is claimed that both Microsoft and Sony were offered the Marvel video game rights at the same time. However, it was only Sony that decided to acquire the rights.
To be fair to Microsoft, prior to the PS4 era, the Marvel video game franchise has been quite inconsistent. Other than exceptions such as a few Spider-Man games and Marvel Ultimate Alliance, it wasn’t great. So, I can understand the hesitancy of Microsoft.
Prior to Sony acquiring the Marvel IP, Activision once held those rights. Unhappy with the direction of the Marvel video game franchise, head of Marvel Games, Jay Ong told Activision that they would “find a better home” for the IP. Activision apparently replied, “good luck finding your unicorn.”
The rest is history
Once Sony acquired the rights to the Marvel IP, this resulted in Insomniac Games developing the critically acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man. This then led to Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, as well as the upcoming Spider-Man 2 and Marvel’s Wolverine. As they say, “the rest is history.”
Do you believe that Microsoft would have had success with the Marvel and the Spider-Man IP? Let us know across our social media channels.
You can buy Spider-Man Miles Morales for only £33.95 on PS5.
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Featured Image Credit: Sony/Insomniac Games