In an intriguing move, the co-founders of acclaimed Batman Arkham developer Rocksteady have reportedly signed a deal with Xbox Game Studios to create a new AAA single-player, action-adventure game.
According to reports from eXputer, Sefton Hill and Jamie Walker’s recently-formed Hundred Star Games has partnered with Microsoft to fully finance their studio’s debut project – said to be an “AAA-standard” action title running on Unreal Engine 5.
While still shrouded in secrecy, the unannounced game is “likely” slated as an Xbox console exclusive, though a PC release is also expected based on Microsoft’s recent strategy.
Hill and Walker departed Rocksteady in October 2022 after critical and commercial hits like the Batman: Arkham trilogy and this year’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Their new 100-person strong independent outfit, Hundred Star, was founded in 2023.
The report indicates over 20 former Rocksteady staff have joined Hill and Walker at the new venture, bringing their action-adventure pedigree to this mysterious Xbox project.
Hundred Star is currently still in hiring mode as development ramps up on the Microsoft-backed game, which is likely years away from release given its scale and early stage.
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While no further details are known about the title’s setting or gameplay pillars, its experienced creative leadership and lavish backing from Xbox suggests an ambitious, potentially franchising-starting action blueprint.
The report also notes the Xbox ties could position this as the latest high-profile exclusive for Microsoft’s platforms and Game Pass service as they continue expanding their first-party portfolio.
As Rocksteady alumni blaze a new trail, this tantalizing partnership fuel’s speculation about the caliber of action experience their veteran team could deliver with Microsoft’s stamp of approval and resources.
With the Batman: Arkham games regarded as generational superhero achievements, all eyes will be on what Hill, Walker, and Hundred Star have in store for Xbox’s action-adventure ranks.
