Free-to-play has come a long way, and when developers add more content at no cost, it's never a bad thing, especially when said content is from two major movies expected to make some serious moolah for Marvel this summer.
The next cinematic segments of Marvel's "Phase Two," "Captain America: The Winter Solider" and "Guardians of the Galaxy," are primed to hit the silver screen in April and August respectively. But if you happene to be playing Marvel: Avengers Alliance, you'll be getting a look at what the movies have to offer a wee bit early.
According to a report from MTV, TQ Jefferson, Marvel's VP of Games Production, is working on squeezing bits and pieces of the movies down to size for the Facebook and mobile title. Said Jefferson, "Alex Irvine, the writer for MAA, does a great job of pulling the essence of each of these storylines into the game and tuning them to the game's universe. We also have access to the theatrical and publishing teams at Marvel. Everyone works closely together to bring out the best story in the game and make the characters and interactions come to life."
With "Winter Soldier" first out the theatrical door, that's where the team is concentrating efforts first, due out later this month. The film features some of Cap's familiar foes making their big screen debut with Batroc the Leaper (Georges St Pierre) and Brock Rudlow / Crossbones (Frank Grillo), and the new Alliance content will follow suit, along with additional, unique content.
"Players are going to get a chance to face Cap's enemies in a way that is unique to games," Jefferson said. "The missions features a great cast of characters longtime comic fans will know, and movie fans may just be getting introduced to like Captain America and Black Widow, or Viper and Baron Strucker. Each plays their role in The Winter Soldier's past and how he's being used in the present."
As for the Galaxy content, Jefferson wasn't willing to offer as many details for fears of spoiling the movie, saying, "While we can't talk too much about the story of how the Guardians fit into the game's overall narrative, we'll get a chance to get to focus on the whole team in some upcoming content. With that focus dedicated to the team the hope is that it will all integrate really well. We're really excited about expanding MAA into the cosmic Marvel Universe."
If Marvel is following a similar time table on providing details, expect something shortly before the movie's scheduled August release.
Check out our review of the game here.