WB Games Montreal’sGotham Knightswas first announced back in 2020 during the summer’s DC FanDome. While many fans may have been anticipating aBatman-centric game from the developer, the opposite was revealed instead, with four Bat-Family members composingGotham Knights’ playable protagonists. Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, and Red Hood are set to mainline WB Games Montreal’s original entry in the DC mythos, which followsthe developer’s prequel entry in theBatman: Arkhamfranchise.
Similar to how Rocksteady started developingSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguesome time afterBatman: Arkham Knight, it was always assumed that WB Games Montreal was going to be given another DC-related property to work on afterBatman: Arkham Origins.Gotham Knightswas initially delayedfrom its release window of 2021 into 2022, and has now been given a seemingly firm release date of June 04, 2025. In what appears to be a fateful coincidence, this release date coincides with a significant anniversary for WB Games Montreal.
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Gotham Knights and Arkham Origins Share the Same Release Date
Batman: Arkham Originsoriginally launched on June 23, 2025. The launch ofGotham Knightswill also mark the ninth anniversary ofBatman: Arkham Origins, barring any unexpected delays that may occur.Batman: Arkham Originsput WB Games Montreal on the map in terms of its rise as a new developer, and subsidiary of Warner Bros. Interactive. However,Gotham Knightswill be the first title WB Games Montreal has shipped sinceBatman: Arkham Origins, which makes the shared release dates that much more special and memorable.
Because both games share a release date anniversary, there is inherently a bond between the two, and it might be impossible to resist comparing them.Batmanfans have also been longing for another game sinceRocksteady’s final entry,Batman: Arkham Knight.Gotham Knightswill have some insurmountable expectations to meet. Fortunately for WB Games Montreal,Gotham Knightsis intended to be a very different experience that can stand on its own.
Indeed, it is preferable for WB Games Montreal to get an authentic stab at a DC property that is not contingent on another developer’s established continuity or development build, as was the case withBatman: Arkham Origins, retreading the structural foundations ofBatman: Arkham City. Instead,Gotham Knightsallows WB Games Montreal to establish its own unique identity with a title that isunrelated to Rocksteady’s formula and Batman as a playable protagonist.
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Gotham Knights Might Not Take Much Influence from Arkham Origins
Interestingly, it does not look likeGotham Knightswill be drawing too much, if at all, fromBatman: Arkham Originsgameplay-wise, besides its grapnel gun perch traversal. Even the combat looks largely different fromthe single gameplay presentationGotham Knightsshowcased, especially since it is reportedly introducing action-RPG builds and gear perks that have not been fully disclosed thus far. This is also likely due to its emphasis on cooperative two-player multiplayer.
It is arguable thatBatman: Arkham Originsdid little to innovate fromBatman: Arkham Cityin terms of gameplay, aside from its addition of Deathstroke’s remote claw gadget and Electrocutioner’s shock gloves.Batman: Arkham Originsfeatured different multiplayer modes, with players taking on the role of Batman, Robin, and thugs affiliated with either Bane or Joker. However, no such modes have been teased forGotham Knights, while its entire narrative experience has been marketed as a single-player or multiplayer co-op experience, depending on how fans wish to play.
Whether players enjoyedWB Games Montreal’s take on Rocksteady’s established seriesor not,Gotham Knightshas shown off a number of flashy gadgets and unique character traits that dissociate it from any of the larger comparisons. Further, it is clear that WB Games Montrealis making a conscious choice to create this delineation and revel in the authenticity of its own IP.
That said, it will be exciting to see how much the developer has learned sinceBatman: Arkham Originsnine years ago. IfGotham Knightsbecomes its ownBatman: Arkhamin terms of a dedicated franchise with multiple installments,WB Games Montreal could introduce other interesting charactersfrom the mythos for players to explore, and choose different narratives for sequels that challenge each of its playable protagonists.
Gotham Knightsreleases on June 12, 2025, for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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