The development of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League by Rocksteady was marred by various issues, as detailed in a recent report by Bloomberg. One of the major problems cited by staff, speaking anonymously, was the pressure from corporate owners to create a multiplayer game, despite Rocksteady’s reputation for crafting compelling singleplayer experiences. This push for a live service game may have been a significant factor in the title’s lackluster reception upon launch.
Another key aspect highlighted in the report was the indecisiveness of the studio’s leadership, particularly co-founder Sefton Hill. The shifting vision for Suicide Squad, coupled with a confessed lack of familiarity with competing games like Destiny, created a chaotic development environment. Nine months were reportedly wasted on prototyping a vehicle customization system that was ultimately deemed unnecessary, further delaying the game’s progress.
The notion of “toxic positivity” within the studio was also mentioned as a contributing factor to the game’s troubled development. This culture of unwarranted optimism, with promises that the project would miraculously come together at the last minute, mirrored the debacle of the PC port of Arkham Knight, which required full refunds due to its poor quality. The false sense of security instilled by studio leadership only exacerbated the issues faced by the development team.
Despite the reported $200 million loss incurred by Warner Bros. during the development of Suicide Squad, the silver lining was the absence of any layoffs at Rocksteady. The studio is now involved in the creation of a “director’s cut” version of Hogwarts Legacy, as well as considering a return to its roots with a new singleplayer game. The hope is that this potential project will allow Rocksteady to reclaim its former glory and reestablish itself as a powerhouse in the gaming industry.
The tumultuous journey of Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League serves as a cautionary tale for game developers and studios alike. From corporate interference and indecisive leadership to a culture of false optimism, the myriad of challenges faced by Rocksteady offers valuable lessons for the industry as a whole. It remains to be seen whether the studio can learn from its past mistakes and pave the way for a brighter future in the world of gaming.
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