Overall, Gotham Knights has a great setup for a video game story. With both Batman and Jim Gordon dead, the Bat-Family, which includes Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, and Red Hood, reunites to become the new protectors of Gotham City.
This means that it is more than likely that Batman will never be a playable character in Gotham Knights. While some might be frustrated at the idea that Batman has been killed off (if it's true), this could actually prove to be for the better of the game.
Batman Already Has Games
There's no denying that the ability to play as Batman would appeal to many. However, Batman already has had plenty of time in the spotlight over many decades of games. Of course, there are the famous Batman: Arkham games that practically perfected the idea of playing as Batman.
But even before those games, there are tons of Batman games dating all the way back to the Commodore 64. They all range from great to mediocre, but there's still a plethora for fans to enjoy, so Batman can rest on the sidelines for once.
Introduce The Bat-Family To General Audiences
One of the best things about the Arkham games was that they were able to influence the media. Every Batman-related property following the release of the Arkham games took some kind of inspiration; some villains became popular again because of them.
As for Gotham Knights, it is the perfect opportunity for non-comic book readers to learn about the Bat-Family. There is such a rich history with each Knight, from Barbara Gordon becoming Batgirl again to Red Hood being resurrected from the grave. As a result, Gotham Knights could help shape future adaptations, including the live-action Gotham Knights series coming to the CW.
Prove That These Characters Stand On Their Own
Even those that know these characters tend to think that the Knights are simply sidekicks. That's so not true, as these characters have been able to lead their own comics for decades. Sadly, they are always overshadowed by Batman comics, movies, and video games.
Having Batman dead will allow for the Knights to grow as characters as well as prove that they are just as engaging as the Caped Crusader. That they can lead a story without needing Batman to swoop in and save the day or have a show-stealing cameo.
The Villains Will React Too
There have been times when Batman has either died or vanished in the comics, and one of the best aspects of that is showing how the villains of Gotham respond to it. In one comic, Gotham became a battleground for a war between two factions of villains as a result.
With Gotham Knights, the complete lack of Batman could allow for whole new dynamics. For example, the Joker likes Batman too much to kill him but he hates all of the Gotham Knights and would want them dead on sight. Certain criminals might not take the Knights seriously while others might become rivals for certain Knights. There are so many potential storylines for villains with Batman gone.
Gotham Needs Heroes
Something that is easily forgotten is that if it weren't for Batman, Gotham City would have probably been razed to the ground years ago. It's not just because of the supervillains either, as Gotham was already a cesspool filled with criminals before the supervillains arrived.
Batman's death is the perfect opportunity to show that Gotham City needs a symbol of justice to keep the criminal element afraid. Also, Batman helped inspire the likes of Jim Gordon and Harvey Dent to fight for Gotham City. In Gotham Knights, the Bat-Family will have to learn to be that same symbol of justice, leading to the characters evolving into better heroes than before.
New Heroes & Villains In His Image
Similar to how stopping any of DC's famous crimelords will create a void that demands filling, the same can be said for a superhero. The public will learn that Batman is gone or dead and some might take that as an opportunity. It could lead to the rise in new vigilantes who engage in Batman's methods and become masked avengers as potential side stories.
However, this could also lead to those who twist Batman into something wrong. A vigilante who proves to be more of a villain primed for Red Hood to face off against. There could even be entire street gangs dedicated to Batman.
Plenty Of Potential DLC Characters
Four characters will provide plenty of replayability, but this is a Warner Bros. game and they are very fond of their DLC. Batman's death opens the possibility for many famous Bat-Family members from the comics to become playable. From Duke Thomas as The Signal to Cassandra Cain as Orphan, the possibilities are endless.
One of the most logical inclusions would be Batwoman, considering she is Bruce Wayne's cousin, ergo she has the most blatant reasons to become a member of the Bat-Family. Even other DC street-level heroes such as Green Arrow or The Question would make sense due to their close connections to Batman.
How The Knights Deal With Loss
Bruce Wayne was a father figure for all of the Knights in some way. To the always loyal Alfred Pennyworth, he was the closest thing to a son, and as a result, there is plenty of possibility for powerful emotional moments with the Knights. For instance, perhaps Dick Grayson regrets all the times he fought with Bruce in the past.
The official description for Red Hood on the Gotham Knights website already reveals that Bruce's demise makes him swap to non-lethal weaponry. This could also lead to a lot of conflict, with some Knights lashing out from grief.
Anyone Can Be Batman
One of the most debated subjects when it comes to the Bat-Family is, who could potentially become Batman after Bruce Wayne? Everyone has their logic and reasonings for who is the rightful heir of the cape and cowl. There is even an entire event dedicated to this aptly titled: Battle For The Cowl.
This is something that fans could possibly experience or even choose for themselves. Since the player is allowed to pick any Knight at any time throughout the story, there is a chance that fans could pick who becomes the next Dark Knight.
Bringing Back Batman Is Too Cliché
There is a high chance that the death of Batman is merely a fakeout and Bruce Wayne will return either as Batman or the Knights' new Oracle-like figure. The problem with that is that it's too predictable to the point that most will probably just roll their eyes at his return.
It's such a common problem with comics that it's hard to feel any sort of stakes is at risk when the writers always end up bringing characters back from the dead. If Gotham Knights truly kills off Batman, it would be more surprising and refreshing instead of the typical superhero trope.