With a recent wave of new reveals for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League comes the news that the game will be online-only - something that could end up hurting it greatly in the long run. Developed by the creators of the Batman: Arkham series, Rocksteady Studios, Suicide Squad stars DC Comics villains Harley Quinn, Captain Boomerang, King Shark, and Deadshot as they face off against brainwashed members of the Justice League, along with the forces of overarching villain Brainiac.
As of Sony's February 2023 State of Play, Suicide Squad has received a multitude of new reveals, including a major gameplay showcase, new story details, and a deep dive into the game's many systems surrounding its gameplay. Unfortunately, as the game has revealed a heavy emphasis on loot, granular RPG stats, and what's shaping up to be a live-service model, some are fearing that KTJL may end up becoming another Marvel's Avengers - a sentiment that's only further encouraged by other details regarding the game. In particular, one aspect of Suicide Squad is bound to be especially contentious - the game's online-only nature.
Suicide Squad's Internet Requirement Is A Big Mistake
As reported by GameSpot, the Suicide Squad website has revealed that the game will require constant internet connection - during both co-op and solo play. It's a decision that seems bound to hamper the game for a number of reasons, not the least of which is alienating players with unsteady or unreliable internet access. The game's popularity on release is already uncertain, as the difficulty of cultivating an audience for live-service games has resulted in several games shutting down. Paired with Suicide Squad's controversial battle pass and stiff competition from other big releases, Suicide Squad could find itself with a dwindling player base very quickly.
Being Online-Only Will Cut Into Suicide Squad: KTJL's Potential Player Base
Aside from concerns for players with unreliable internet, Suicide Squad's online-only nature could be a major detriment for when the game's lifespan runs its course - which, for the reasons mentioned previously, could come sooner rather than later. As with other online games that have ceased development, any failure of the game to maintain a player base could lead to the game becoming entirely unaccessible, depending on whether it relies on connecting to a server to be played. Compounding the issues of Suicide Squad's contentious gameplay and divisive gear and loot systems, the game could find itself going the way of other live-service failures like Babylon's Fall.
Even in the case that Suicide Squad releases to good sales and thriving player base, requiring internet connection to play the game at all is bound to alienate a decent chunk of potential players. Alongside divisive gameplay and a growing general fatigue with new live-service games, the longevity of the game is in major doubt. Unfortunately, despite the decision's relative unpopularity, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's internet requirement is likely already set in stone.
Source: GameSpot, DC/YouTube