Summary
After an unfortunate ransomware attack aimed at Insomniac Games, many of the developer’s planned releases were disclosed to the public. While the lineup of games includes bothWolverineandMarvel’s Spider-Man 3, both of which fans expected, the name of one release has come as a bit of a surprise to the gaming community. The game in question, allegedly titledVenom: Lethal Protector, brings with it clear implications — namely, that it will likely feature Venom as a main playable character. However, the game’s name also reveals some similarities it may share with one of its predecessors:Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.
Venom: Lethal Protector, simply due to the nature of its title and its leaked game length, seems to be more likeMiles MoralesthanMarvel’s Spider-Man. After all,this Venom half-sequel has been given a subtitle, just asMiles Moraleswas given for his game. This implies a shared formula, including a more streamlined focus on one character that will likely return in future installments, rather than a narrative filled with various subplots. This is ultimately the right call for Insomniac to make, as it will undoubtedly please fans and contribute to the ongoing success of theMarvel’s Spider-Manfranchise for a number of reasons.
Venom: Lethal Protector Should Serve as an Introduction for the Anit-Hero
Venom: Lethal Protector Will Likely Give Venom His Own Story
While the character of Miles Morales was first introduced inMarvel’s Spider-Man,Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moraleswas more of a proper introduction for the young superhero and served as his first standalone title. During this installment, his character was thoroughly developed, more so than he might have had the chance to be in one of the mainline games.
Ultimately, developing Miles' character in his standalone title benefited the series moving forward, as it allowed the subsequent mainline installment to focus more on Peter again and his relationships with Harry and Mary Jane. In the same way,Venom: Lethal Protectorbeing more likeMiles Moralesmeans it will likely act as an introduction for the anti-hero that will establish his place inInsomniac’s Marvel universemoving forward.
Insomniac’s hack disclosed valuable information about its upcoming releases, including a 2025 release forVenom: Lethal Protectorwith an expected story length of about 8–10 hours, and a projected 2028 release window forMarvel’s Spider-Man 3.
According to HowLongToBeat,Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moralestakes around 7.5 hours to complete, with about 10 more dedicated to completing everything the game offers.Venom: Lethal Protector’s length is supposedly similar, which also suggests it will serve as little more than a character development opportunity for Venom, both in fleshing out his character as a whole and the anti-hero he has yet to become in Insomniac’s Marvel universe, rather than delving into any more significant narratives concerning other characters.
Another thing to consider isVenom: Lethal Protector’s possible connection to the comic book run of the same name that features Eddie Brock as its main character. If Insomniac has decided to go the route of makingEddie Brock the man behind the maskinVenom: Lethal Protector, the game will likely spend more time developing Eddie’s character, rather than solely focusing on Venom. That being said, Venom is so much a part of Eddie that the symbiote would play a significant part in shaping Eddie’s character anyway. Furthermore, considering Miles' more central role inMarvel’s Spider-Man 2following his standalone title, Venom and possibly Eddie would then play a key role inMarvel’s Spider-Man 3as well.
Venom: Lethal Protector Will Release Sooner Than the Next Mainline Installment
A benefit ofVenom: Lethal Protectorbeing more likeMiles Moralesis its projected release date of 2025. The game is shorter, and its narrative is most likely more streamlined than a mainline installment, both of which make it easier for Insomniac to move it through production quicker and out into the world sooner rather than later. This will undoubtedly please many fans of the franchise who were immediately ready for morewhen the credits rolled at the end ofMarvel’s Spider-Man 2, and provide something that should whet their appetites untilMarvel’s Spider-Man 3releases in 2028.
In short,Venom: Lethal Protectorbeing more likeMarvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Moralesis the right call for Insomniac and theMarvel’s Spider-Manfranchise. The decision not only provides Venom with the chance for a thorough and captivating introduction but also allows for an earlier release date, which will keep the series alive much longer in the evolving and ever-growing world of superhero games. By drawing inspiration from the formula and structure ofMiles Morales,Venom: Lethal Protectorlooks poised to establisha compelling tale for the anti-herothat will surely capture the attention of seasoned fans and newcomers alike.
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
WHERE TO PLAY
Following the events ofMarvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, teenager Miles Morales is adjusting to his new home while following in the footsteps of his mentor, Peter Parker, as a new Spider-Man. But when a fierce power struggle threatens to destroy his new home, the aspiring hero realizes that with great power, there must also come great responsibility. To save all of Marvel’s New York, Miles must take up the mantle of Spider-Man and own it.The Rise of Miles Morales:Miles Morales discovers explosive powers that set him apart from his mentor, Peter Parker. Master his unique, bio-electric venom blast attacks and covert camouflage power alongside spectacular web-slinging acrobatics, gadgets and skills.A War for Power:A war for control of Marvel’s New York has broken out between a devious energy corporation and a high-tech criminal army. With his new home at the heart of the battle, Miles must learn the cost of becoming a hero and decide what he must sacrifice for the greater good.A Vibrant New Home:Traverse the snowy streets of his new, vibrant, and bustling neighborhood as Miles searches for a sense of belonging. When the lines blur between his personal and crime-fighting lives, he discovers who he can trust, and what it feels like to truly be home.
