Marvel Games MCU-Like Plan Dropped Over Funding

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has revolutionized entertainment with its interconnected films and TV shows that weave together into a comprehensive narrative universe. However, Marvel video games exist independently—Insomniac's Spider-Man titles share no continuity with Eidos-Montreal's Guardians of the Galaxy, nor do upcoming projects like Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra, Marvel’s Wolverine, and Marvel’s Blade connect.

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During an episode of The Fourth Curtain podcast, host Alexander Seropian and guest Alex Irvine—both involved in Disney's gaming projects—discussed Marvel's shelved plans for a unified gaming universe.

Seropian, co-founder of Bungie studios (creators of Halo and Destiny), later led Disney's gaming division until 2012. Irvine has been Marvel's longtime narrative designer, most recently contributing worldbuilding and dialogue for Marvel Rivals.

Reflecting on early Marvel games development, Irvine recalled:

"Initially, Marvel envisioned creating a gaming universe parallel to the MCU—but that concept never materialized."

Seropian explained:

"During my Disney tenure, pushing for interconnected games was my initiative—this preceded the MCU's success. Unfortunately, executives declined to fund it."

Drawing from his experience designing Halo's innovative I Love Bees alternate reality game (ARG), Irvine envisioned how the MGU might have worked:

"We designed compelling cross-game interactions—a hub connecting all Marvel titles, bridging comics and creating original content. When funding fell through, we pivoted to standalone projects."

Why did Disney reject this ambitious plan? Irvine speculated:

"Establishing distinctions between comics, films, and games raised complications—some executives found these worldbuilding challenges too daunting."

Had funding materialized, we might have seen Insomniac's Spider-Man coexisting with Square Enix's Avengers and Guardians titles—perhaps culminating in crossover events reminiscent of Endgame.

Future releases like Marvel’s Wolverine reignite these questions—will Insomniac establish continuity with their Spider-Man universe?

For now, the Marvel Gaming Universe remains shelved—though perhaps thriving in some alternate dimension.