August 20, 2024
Today at Gamescom we revealed the gameplay trailer for Batman: Arkham Shadow, which is a moment in time I've been dreaming about over the past few years.
Ever since we built the game's first combat prototype, I've been eager to show the world how we've successfully translated the classic Arkham combat system to VR. Ever since I walked around our initial art test scenes, I've wanted to show the world our technical and artistic ambitions. And as the rest of the game has come together, I've wanted nothing more than to release a trailer that celebrates the terrific work my colleagues here at Camouflaj have created.
Today is that day! After two awesome CG trailers, it's time to see how the public responds to what Camouflaj has been so busy developing since we released Marvel's Iron Man VR in 2020.
As I'm sure many of you have heard, delivering a compelling trailer for a VR game is no easy feat. Most VR and MR games are powered by mobile chipsets, the game's visuals need to be rendered twice (one for each eye), and must be delivered at a higher framerate than almost all flat-screen games on the market. In order to appreciate just how stunning VR games can look and sound, they truly need to be experienced in the headset.
Despite all those limitations, I think all involved in the creation of the gameplay trailer for Arkham Shadow has done an incredible job highlighting the authentic nature of our Arkham combat, the gameplay freedom afforded by VR, and incredible visuals powered by the Meta Quest 3.
Meta and Camouflaj partnered closely with Dark Burn Creative (part of Trailer Park Group) on the creation of this trailer, who are absolute wizards at capturing and editing exciting game footage. I can't tell you how impressed we were with how well versed the DBC team was with our game, and how great it felt to have partners who are just as passionate about making something great as we are.
Today's new trailer lifts the veil on so much about Arkham Shadow that it makes me blush. Predator encounters! Detective Vision! Investigations! Boss fights! Batclaw! Shock Gloves! Glide kick! A Batcave! Barbara Gordon! TYGER! Lock-Up! Is that Arnold Wesker…? And a mysterious new collectible type…?
We also revealed more of the incredible cast we've assembled for this game. In addition to Roger Craig Smith returning as Batman, Arkham Shadow features the talents of Tara Strong (Dr. Harleen Quinzel), Troy Baker (Harvey Dent), Martin Jarvis (Alfred), Khary Payton (Ratcatcher), Chelsea Kane (Barbara Gordon) and Mark Rolston (Commissioner Gordon). The story of Arkham Shadow was directly impacted by the energy each one of these actors brought to the stage and booth, inspiring us to take their characters in directions we haven't considered. For that we'll be forever grateful.
In addition to releasing our gameplay trailer, we've welcomed a handful of select influencers and members of the press to play through a 45-minute slice of Arkham Shadow's opening chapter. Watching them put the Quest 3 headset on and just dive into the game has been a thrilling experience for us all at Camouflaj. As with the rest of the world, we eagerly anticipate what they have to say about the game when they post their impressions next Tuesday, August 27.
Thanks, as always, for your interest in Camouflaj and Batman: Arkham Shadow. The game releases in October, meaning we only have about two months left to complete development on the game before you all get to experience it for yourself. With that in mind, I'm going back to work!
Ryan Payton