Just ahead of E3 2021, a list of supposedly leaked 2K projects was shared on Reddit, with one of those projects being a Marvel strategy game from Firaxis, the studio behind the modern X-COM games. In fact, it was even explicitly described as a Marvel/XCOM game. While this leak could have easily been dismissed as fake, a couple of journalists wound up verifying it, lending it a lot of credibility.
The game wasn't at E3 anyway, despite peoples' suspicions, but it's otherwise still considered to be real. Some expect it to be announced later this month, as 2K itself has said it will be unveiling a new franchise very soon. However, one very surprising detail may have already been revealed about it: it won't feature any actual Marvel characters.
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According to insider Jeff Grubb, who spoke about the game on the most recent Giant Bomb livestream (and as transcribed by VGC), the project will not only be unrelated to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but it also won't star existing Marvel characters. So that's no Iron Man, no Spider-Man, no Captain Marvel, or any other fan favorites.
That said, it will still be set within the wider Marvel universe and, rather than let players form their own teams of classic superheroes, the game will instead have players customize their own team of original superheroes to play as, similar to how players create and customize their squad members in the XCOM games. And it's because of the lack of already established characters that Grubb theorizes why 2K might consider this an entirely original property.
He adds that, unlike the more sci-fi-oriented XCOM games, the game will have more of a focus on the supernatural side of the Marvel universe, with mystical enemies and, apparently, even vampires. Although Grubb does say that he doesn't know if that means characters like the vampire hunter Blade will make an appearance.
While this information can't be considered 100% official until 2K announces and shares information on the project, Grubb is considered a reputable source of information. If accurate, it'd be a pretty bold move to make a Marvel game with no Marvel characters in it. One of the main selling points of Marvel games, like Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3 and Marvel's Avengers, is the ability to take control of beloved superheroes and use their powers.
For the time being, curious fans will have to wait for a statement from 2K. Hopefully, that announcement is right around the corner. And it'll be interesting to see how it attempts to push a Marvel game that lacks any iconic figures from the comics or movies.
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Source: Giant Bomb, VGC
