Gotham Knights cancel release for last gen Xbox One and PS4

The highly anticipated co-op action-adventure game Gotham Knights finally has a release date alongside a brand new 13 minutes of gameplay footage featuring two of the main playable characters - Nightwing and Red Hood. That's if you have a next-gen console or capable PC, as Gotham Knights PlayStation 4 (PS4) and Xbox One versions have been cancelled.

Gotham Knights is currently in development at WB Games Montréal, the studio responsible for 2013's criminally underrated Batman Arkham Origins. Since its initial reveal at 2020's DC Fandom event, the game has been delayed once and seems to have made several fundamental changes, including the platforms it will now be releasing on. 

Gotham Knights is next-gen only

Gotham Knights was initially announced as a cross-gen title though that no longer seems to be the case. The new gameplay showcase put the release date on display alongside the updated platforms it will be releasing on.

As it turns out, Gotham Knights will now only be releasing on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. WB Games did put out an official statement regarding the shift in platforms. According to it, this decision has been made to "provide players with the best possible gameplay experience."

The news of Gotham Knights ditching PS4 and Xbox One consoles is bound to disappoint fans who have yet to switch to a PS5 or Xbox Series X/S.

It's important to note that the next-gen consoles won't be readily available at least until 2022 due to a global chip shortage, so fans looking to switch may have a hard time snagging one before Gotham Knight's eventual release.

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However, the decision to scrap last-gen versions of Gotham Knights is also a good sign if the recent AAA cross-gen releases like Cyberpunk 2077 and Dying Light 2 are any indication. It's safe to assume that focusing on a few platforms would allow developers to ship a more well-optimized and polished game.

With that said, the latest gameplay trailer doesn't necessarily look next-gen with stiff character animations, movements, and clunky combat, not to mention the insane FPS drops. 

The trailer explicitly mentions that the gameplay footage is from an early build of the game and is not representative of the final product though that shouldn't necessarily reduce any scepticism one may have about Gotham Knight's day one performance on all platforms.

Regardless, there is still some time before Gotham Knights releases, and WB Games Montreal should hopefully polish and refine various aspects of the game before it's ready to be shipped. Gotham Knights will release on 25th October 2022 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.

Check out the latest gameplay trailer for Gotham Knights below.

For more on the game, head to our section dedicated to the latest DC video game news, tips, guides, and more. 

Featured image courtesy of WB Montreal