The gaming world was set abuzz recently with the leaking of a trailer for an unannounced PlayStation 5 title – Spider-Man: The Great Web. This ambitious project appeared to be a multiplayer live service game set within the Spider-Verse. Featuring a diverse roster of playable Spider-heroes, the trailer hinted at an expansive multiverse-spanning adventure. However, the game now seems to have been canceled.
The leaked footage painted an enticing picture. It showcased five distinct Spider-characters in action – including fan favorites like Scarlet Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, and Spider-Gwen. Moreover, the trailer featured fully voiced and animated sequences. Players would seemingly jump between realities, encountering alternate versions of iconic villains. Dialogue teased a team-up between Peter Parker and Miles Morales to tackle a multiversal threat.
Live Service Challenges
Despite the game’s apparent near completion, development woes ultimately doomed the project. Many suspect PlayStation is struggling with live service models. Creating an engaging, sustainable live experience is far trickier than traditional games. Crafting compelling seasonal content and monetization is crucial yet difficult. PlayStation’s reported cancellation of The Great Web and Naughty Dog‘s The Last of Us multiplayer imply live service stumbles.
It could be that the recent layoffs across Sony’s portfolio of studios affected the team working on the title, forcing it to be shuttered. This likely trimmed a live service team no longer needed after The Great Web’s axing. Insomniac has carried PlayStation with stellar single-player titles like Spider-Man (2018) and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Canceling The Great Web may preserve their focus on crafting more story-driven experiences.
For many Spider-fans, this news stings. The Great Web’s ambitious multiverse premise tapped into widespread enthusiasm following the Spider-Verse film’s success. But game development is complex. Creating a compelling, sustainable live service is an enormous challenge even for talented studios. While disappointing, the decision allows Insomniac to potentially deliver more polished single-player adventures.
Closing Thoughts
The leaked Spider-Man trailer whipped fans into a frenzy before its apparent cancellation. Yet these glimpses highlighted the game industry’s struggles with live service models. As publishers chase that monetization Holy Grail, finding the right formula remains elusive. For now, The Great Web’s multiverse will remain unexplored – unless a Sony studio can eventually crack that lucrative live service code.
