This month has been an exciting time for Predator fans, with 20th Century Studios showcasing upcoming projects like the theatrical release of Badlands directed by Dan Trachtenberg and the animated anthology Killer of Killers. In comics, our favorite alien has just thrown down against Spider-Man, setting the stage for an epic showdown in the broader Marvel universe this summer. But here’s the kicker: there’s still a major gap in the franchise—where’s the video game?
The Predator franchise, despite its rich 38-year history, has a surprisingly limited footprint in the gaming world. Aside from adaptations of the first two films and a mobile tie-in for 2010’s Predators, the standout titles include 2005’s Concrete Jungle, a 2018 VR experience, and 2020’s team-centric Hunting Grounds.
One of the franchise’s most notable appearances was in the DLC for Mortal Kombat X, where the Yautja showcased their skills against iconic foes. This multiplayer focus makes sense; after all, Yautja possess superior technology, lending themselves to thrilling confrontations. While Hunting Grounds continues to receive updates, not every fan is keen on competitive play when they dream of becoming an intergalactic hunter.
In contrast, the Alien franchise seamlessly delves into various gaming genres—shooters, real-time tactics, even survival horror. However, the Predator seems to struggle with its single-player potential. There hasn’t been an attempt to create a standalone game akin to Alien Isolation. The less-than-stellar reception of Concrete Jungle back in the day likely dampened enthusiasm for exploring solo adventures. Featuring a disgraced Predator named Scarface, the game aimed to balance hunter versus prey dynamics using advanced technology. Its imperfections, however, suggest that there’s untapped potential for a solitary gaming experience centered around this fierce alien.
What makes Badlands particularly captivating is Trachtenberg’s fresh perspective, introducing us to Dak, a young Yautja outcast on his journey to becoming a formidable hunter on an alien planet. This premise feels like something straight out of a video game, especially with Dak wielding a sword and teaming up with an android companion. Trachtenberg cited Shadow of the Colossus as a source of inspiration, with his choice to create an authentic language for the Yautja adding an immersive touch reminiscent of gaming experiences. Having previously directed short films for popular video games, it seems gaming elements are embedded in his storytelling approach.
In the broader landscape of gaming, Disney has successfully licensed its properties to various developers, creating vibrant life sims, engaging platformers, and even a visual novel based on Tron. The successes of titles like RoboCop and Terminator show that there’s room for innovation with IP-based games. 20th Century Studios appears to be exploring how to advance the Predator franchise beyond established norms, and a video game adaptation could be the next logical step. This franchise certainly deserves a shot to prove its worth in the interactive medium.
What are some popular games featuring the Predator character?
Some notable titles include Killing Grounds, Mortal Kombat X DLC, and Concrete Jungle, each exploring different facets of the Predator experience.
Are there single-player games featuring the Predator?
Currently, there are no notable single-player games specifically centered around the Predator, but the concept has potential, given the complexities of the franchise’s lore and character development.
What makes the Predator franchise suitable for video games?
With its emphasis on hunting, advanced technology, and thrilling confrontations, the Predator franchise offers a rich narrative that can engage players through immersive gameplay experiences.
Is there a future for Predator games?
While past attempts have been limited, growing interest in the franchise and upcoming media may open up opportunities for new game developments.
As we look forward to what’s next from the Predator universe, consider diving deeper into related content to stay updated on the franchise’s latest adventures and innovations. Explore more on Moyens I/O for insights and discussions about the evolution of the Predator legacy.