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.
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.
