With release set for late 2017, details on the highly anticipated game Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite have been scarce since December. The fourth entry in the Marvel vs. Capcom series of games will bring new changes that seems indicative of heavier focus on the Marvel side, bringing in characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Considering the number of films that have been released since Iron Man in 2008, there's a vast potential of characters for Marvel to draw from as well as an opportunity to extend Marvel's reach in video game format.

Infinite will feature two-on-two battles, as opposed to previous entries' three-on-three fights, and makes a departure from the traditional character assists. Instead, the game offers a tag-based combo system that allows players to form continuous combos between their two selected characters. Perhaps the most overt shift toward the Marvel Cinematic Universe comes in the form of the Infinity Stones gameplay mechanic, which allows players to harness the powers of the Infinity Stones.

Though the two most prominent members of the MCU, Captain America and Iron Man, have already been confirmed as playable characters, there's still a vast array of MCU potential waiting to be tapped, leaving the rumor mill running wild. According to NeoGAF member Smooth Operator,  eight new characters are scheduled to be revealed soon. Those characters are Ultron, Hulk, Thor, Hawkeye, Rocket Raccoon from the Marvel side, and Chun-Li, Strider, and Chris Redfield from the Capcom side.

Mega Man Iron Man Marvel Vs. Capcom Infinite

The ratio of Marvel to Capcom characters in this reveal seems skewed in favor of Marvel, but considering the release schedule of upcoming Marvel films, it's not that surprising.  Hulk and Thor will both appear in November's Thor: Ragnarok, which will be released in theaters just prior to Infinite's planned release. Rocket Raccoon also seems like a sure bet considering Guardian of the Galaxy Vol. 2's release next week. The game's introduction of the Infinity Stones should factor in with the introduction of Ultron as a playable character, as the Mind Stone drove him to destruction in 2015's Avengers: Age of Ultron.

As exciting as this character leak is, there are notable absences from the list. What is Rocket Raccoon without Groot? With the popularity of the latest installment of the Resident Evil franchise, there's potential to see more characters from the franchise. Jill Valentine has appeared in the Marvel vs. Capcom series before and is a prime candidate to return. If this leak is any indication, the drought of details on Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite is about to come to an end.

Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite will be released on PC, PS4, and Xbox One simultaneously in late 2017

Next: The 30 Most Anticipated Video Games of 2017

Source: NeoGAF