Batman: Arkham Asylum delayed - Confirmed

Source: GameStop-owned magazine Game Informer.What we heard: When Warner Bros. released The Dark Knight to theaters in 2008, it did so without the seemingly requisite game tie-in, a move that analysts say cost EA $100 million. In kind, Eidos Interactive has said that it plans to launch Batman:...

Source: GameStop-owned magazine Game Informer.

What we heard: When Warner Bros. released The Dark Knight to theaters in 2008, it did so without the seemingly requisite game tie-in, a move that analysts say cost EA $100 million. In kind, Eidos Interactive has said that it plans to launch Batman: Arkham Asylum this summer, meaning the game won't benefit from the hype surrounding a major theatrical release.

Of course, being unattached to a summer blockbuster has its advantages, as Eidos now has some leeway when it comes to Batman: Arkham Asylum's release date. And, according to Game Informer, Eidos intends to exercise that flexibility.

The GameStop-owned magazine's online arm reports today that anonymous sources with knowledge of the game's happenings have confirmed that Eidos intends to push Batman: Arkham Asylum beyond the game's intended summer release window to the fourth quarter of 2009. Previously, the report notes, print advertising and retailer listings indicated the game would arrive for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC as early as June 23.

Game Informer offered no explanation as to why Eidos may have chosen to delay Batman: Arkham Asylum. However, Eidos is currently undergoing a period of significant upheaval, having just been subsumed by Square Enix in April. Therefore, it seems entirely possible that new management could be assessing the game's suitability for release or would prefer to release the anticipated title during the highly lucrative holiday quarter.

However, it also bears mentioning that Eidos has begun ramping up its marketing efforts as if the game were still on target for a June release. In mid-April, the publisher took the lid off of Batman: Arkham Asylum's collector's edition. The following week, Eidos announced that the PS3 edition of the game would receive an exclusive playable Joker, to be used in the game's challenge modes.

The official story: [UPDATE] Shortly following this article's publication, Eidos and Warner Bros. Interactive confirmed that Batman: Arkham Asylum has indeed been pushed back from its previously announced release date. "Eidos Interactive and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment can today confirm that Batman: Arkham Asylum will be released at the end of summer 2009," the publishers said. "This additional time will allow us to ensure Batman: Arkham Asylum is of the highest quality for gamers."

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus.

212 Comments

  • batmanboy11

    Posted May 27, 2009 7:14 pm PT

    I guess that means a better game.

  • 3xiledalso

    Posted May 20, 2009 3:32 am PT

    more better?

  • jokerman_28

    Posted May 19, 2009 5:48 am PT

    it sucks that it's delayed, but it gives them more time to make this game more better than it was before

  • QOSMSTR

    Posted May 11, 2009 6:29 pm PT

    The joker looks creepy...

  • sgtandy2006

    Posted May 11, 2009 11:26 am PT

    The delay has been confirmed, but the confirmation was delayed.

  • LURCH87

    Posted May 11, 2009 12:36 am PT

    that sucks

  • jlevin860

    Posted May 9, 2009 11:53 am PT

    i would rather buy this batman game than a movie spin-off, considering they can't have the main actors to voice act like they do in all the other games.
    those are just such cookie-cutter games where this batman game looks more unique and original

  • suicidalblues

    Posted May 9, 2009 11:48 am PT

    allotheabove123 wrote:

    "Yeah its about time that the ps3 got some exclusive content for a cross platform game."

    But you forgot to mention that not only did the PS3 get exclusive content, but they didn't have to throw truckloads of cash at the developer to make it happen, either.

  • gatsbythepig

    Posted May 6, 2009 11:33 am PT

    "a move that analysts say cost EA $100 million"... what? You mean Michael Pachter. The man has a serious disconnect from the industry.

  • allotheabove123

    Posted May 5, 2009 7:09 pm PT

    man even with this delay ill be out of cash by the end of the year

  • metalkid9

    Posted May 5, 2009 2:55 pm PT

    I wasn't impressed at all, not even a little bit from the gameplay. unless you're a batman fanatic I don't think this game is worth it.

  • Spanishflea12

    Posted May 5, 2009 12:24 pm PT

    Not worth buying. Just save your money for a better game or 2 by the time it comes out.

  • ositoPERU

    Posted May 5, 2009 10:18 am PT

    There are plenty of other fun games coming out in the meantime so don't worry about the delay. If the studio is pushing out the release date so they can "milk it", I support them in that decision. I want the studio to make as much money as possible so they can continue making more awesome games. If Batman doesn't quite cut it, there will be a next time. I've had the Collector's Edition reserved for a while now, so this delay doesn't really matter to me. BTW, in addition to the Joker you will also get to fight the Scare Crow if you preorder from Gamestop... yay!

  • mikethebomb316

    Posted May 5, 2009 9:23 am PT

    First off chico12 wolverine movie was god aweful and the game could not be any better un less it was based on the comicbook and not the stupid movie buddy. All edios is doing is waiting closer to the holidays so more people will buy it for there kids and so on, I think thats just terrible to milk this game to earn more precious cash. When you have a set release date you should stick by that.

  • dragonsama

    Posted May 5, 2009 6:31 am PT

    Actully this is a good thing for me. I'll actully have the money to buy it on the new release date.

  • jscapo

    Posted May 5, 2009 5:24 am PT

    Yea, but what if the game still sucks even with the delay. I don't think anything could have helped Wolverine. Any game based on the contents of a movie sucks and its always too short. Here is a successful concept proven in the past. Make a movie from a game. It doesn't make sense in all or most situations but it definitely does in some. From what I see, this game will do well. The only thing that I fear is that it will be too short. All of Batman's foes confined in Arkham is a fantastic idea. Does anyone know if there is any multiplayer in this game. Most people are going to buy this for the story. Why? Because it hasn't been written before. This will be great.

  • chico12

    Posted May 5, 2009 2:26 am PT

    shut the hell up. i wish they had pushed wolverine back at least 6 month. fool

  • mikethebomb316

    Posted May 5, 2009 12:39 am PT

    What a horrible thing to do to customers,You should of not had a set release date then. Im not even that excited about this game anymore. There will be a lot of upset people now. Good job Eidos.

  • Pablo620

    Posted May 4, 2009 11:35 pm PT

    With the amount of amazing games coming out to play on PS3 (plus those I still havent played) I am not upset when developers delay games. The more production time the better

  • BtmnHatesRbn

    Posted May 4, 2009 10:58 pm PT

    Quickly, using one fifth of one hand, show a representation of all of the good Batman titles since 1980. Yeah, that's right, the Ninja Gaiden-esque Batman for the NES.

  • strawberries

    Posted May 4, 2009 9:51 pm PT

    Good to see them delay this game so they can milk it for what it's worth in the holiday season. Great idea.

  • allotheabove123

    Posted May 4, 2009 6:53 pm PT

    I played it at best buy and it was flawless . They must be fixing bugs that i didnt notice. Yeah its about time that the ps3 got some exclusive content for a cross platform game.

    I CANT WAIT TO BEAT THE HELL OUT OF PEOPLE AS BATMAN AND THE JOKER

  • slipper_1

    Posted May 4, 2009 6:11 pm PT

    yes that does suck but think about. they really r looking into the gamers LOVING this game. i dont blame them, look at the other batman's or other comic-hero. this is probably for the best. and Rabbid Hamster is right.

  • LeviHarris

    Posted May 4, 2009 1:25 pm PT

    This is always good news. I'm really looking forward to this game, and I'm more than willing to wait to make sure that it's not the typical tie-in drivel that pollutes store shelves. Good job Eidos and WB.

  • Andraus

    Posted May 4, 2009 1:22 pm PT

    Delays are sometimes good.
    Im Glad they are taking their time with This Title.
    I can only expect greatness from Batman...lol
    looking forward to it cause its the game thats comin home with me along with my first PS3!

  • spike6958

    Posted May 4, 2009 1:08 pm PT

    Wow this sucks, this is the only game coming out this year that i have any intrest in, and usually "end of summer" mean us in the UK will not see it till Christmas.

  • Kongousou_ha

    Posted May 4, 2009 11:31 am PT

    While I understand pushing the release date of a game to get the kinks out for release, I feel that this is not the case in this situation. I feel that this IS merely a cheap marketing ploy to increase their sales. From the videos, press, and gamestop having yet to change the shipping date from 6/23, it seems as though the game was in its final build and was more than ready to be shipped out. If anything, I feel as though SquareEnix just wants to make sure their logo gets on that game SOMEWHERE so that they can claim credit for it and its sales since they just acquired the Eidos label. This is NOT a matter of polishing the game and I do agree with those who are upset about the new release date, considering all the facts.

  • hershy_man

    Posted May 4, 2009 11:26 am PT

    Unless the game goes "GOLD" status you shouldnt be surprised that it gets deplayed

  • Shooterdown

    Posted May 4, 2009 10:55 am PT

    Boo!

  • grillepain_man

    Posted May 4, 2009 10:31 am PT

    @ Rabbid_Hampster

    You're 100% right!

  • Rabbid_Hampster

    Posted May 4, 2009 10:24 am PT

    Why do you guys complain about this. My bet says you all would be the very same people complaining when the game comes out and there are bugs here and there. Its not out yet. Big deal whats a couple of months if it polishes it up a bit more.

  • jadefury27

    Posted May 4, 2009 10:11 am PT

    their reason for pulling it back is bulls#!t. this is just them trying to maximize profit at our expence. they think the game wont sell as well in the summer, but it will as a holiday "must have" title. as much as i want this game i think this'll backfire on some level because it'll have some really stiff competion against some heavyweight titles. especally since batman titles have a really crappy track record some might rethink this as a purchase and now this might become more of a rent\gamefly for some players. thanks eidos you just gave more fallout 3 & ufc 2009 time.

  • kakotan

    Posted May 4, 2009 9:43 am PT

    this is Bs this was gonna be my game of the summer !!!!!!
    THEY better make sure its runing and plays well for when it comes out I think ill get it for the PS3 tho to play as joker lol

  • DM2438

    Posted May 4, 2009 9:10 am PT

    I remember a game they got delayed and it turned out not to be worth the wait...MCLA. Hope this game isn't as disappointing.

  • King_Jeremy_77

    Posted May 4, 2009 9:09 am PT

    So much for June.

  • slipknot61174

    Posted May 4, 2009 8:01 am PT

    It's really bumming me out when I go to the local video game stores and they still have B:AA posters plastered all over the place, though. Okay, I have to wait for the game, but do I need all the promotional materials in my face until September? But at least this isn't gonna be another FFXIII... or is it? (dum dum duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum....)

  • xbox4life76

    Posted May 4, 2009 7:53 am PT

    I was looking forward to this title but I'm thinking the delay could be in part to them trying to wait out the recession and seeing if later in the year is any better...that's just my guess based on zero facts...but I'm sure extra work could always be done on it...and in the end when it is released...the next Batman movie won't be that far down the road...

  • iceberg082002

    Posted May 4, 2009 7:49 am PT

    robertcain i heard that 360 does also have a special thing in its game. while the PS3 gets Joker the 360 gets Scarecrow. but of course id rather have Joker

  • iceberg082002

    Posted May 4, 2009 7:47 am PT

    Wej_accept_it delays can also be bad look at Army of Two

  • Xeit

    Posted May 4, 2009 6:08 am PT

    Delay FTW.

  • MrHatnClogs

    Posted May 4, 2009 6:02 am PT

    Looking at some of the trailers, the greatest example the Bane trailer, it did look like the game still needed work. I'm glad their not rushing this one out especially something as epic as this, I mean come on, you can't get anything better than the cast and writers of the original Batman The Animated Series. I can't waqit for this game!

  • Wej_accept_it

    Posted May 4, 2009 5:26 am PT

    Delays can be so good for games. Look at KillZone 2, Half Life 2 or MGS4. It was so worth it in the end.

  • ImOldGreg

    Posted May 4, 2009 5:06 am PT

    If it helps bring a better product to the consumers, Im all for waiting...Take all the time you need, there are plenty of classic batman cartoons to keep me entertained until then!

  • mossongreens

    Posted May 4, 2009 4:41 am PT

    I was not hyped for this...but my local gamestop had a demo which I reluctantly tried...needless to say 5mins later I reserved a copy.

    In my opinion try the demo it might be your flavor and definately if you like beat'em-up games...and there's also stealth and crime scene puzzle solving...

  • CaRD0N

    Posted May 4, 2009 3:39 am PT

    Wow a decision based on game play and not cash? I'm impressed. This game may be playable now... but I doubt it.

  • AnelZukic

    Posted May 4, 2009 3:02 am PT

    now Eidos is a property of Square so expect more delays anyway I hope the turns good It doesn't matter for me that the game is been delayed

  • DiabolicalX

    Posted May 4, 2009 2:21 am PT

    can't say I'm not a little dissapointed

  • Rallen6

    Posted May 4, 2009 2:07 am PT

    delays are fine because if the game is rushed then you'll get a rubbish game.
    much like TS3 was supposed to be out in feb,but is now june 5th,and i can wait aslong as it will ROCK

  • robertcain

    Posted May 4, 2009 1:24 am PT

    Its good that PS3 is getting the exclusive stuff for once but I hope that they have a good reason for this

  • kegmiester

    Posted May 4, 2009 1:19 am PT

    Well, i'm ok for a delay as long as it gives it time to be even better. This game has a lot of potential to be great and the trailers suggest it. Lets hope it doesn't go badly wrong.

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