Insomniac's upcoming Wolverine game has received an M for Mature rating from the ESRB, citing 'Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, [and] Strong Language.' The listing specifically mentions that 'A handful of sequences briefly depict a character's exposed buttocks.'
Game Violence Compared to Spider-Man
The game is expected to be far more violent than Insomniac's Spider-Man titles, featuring dismemberment and graphic combat. It has also earned an 18 rating in the UK. The ESRB's partial nudity note has sparked curiosity about which character's buttocks are shown.
Possible Scenarios for Nudity
Speculation suggests it could be Wolverine himself during a Weapon X flashback, where he appears nearly naked in the comics. Alternatively, it might involve a character like Psylocke, though she hasn't been confirmed for the game. Female characters like Jean Grey and Mystique are expected to appear and are typically more conservatively dressed.
Release Timing and Sales Impact
The game's violent nature might make it a harder sell than Spider-Man, but Wolverine's popularity should drive strong sales. However, the release timing coincides with the success of the new Spider-Man movie, 'Brand New Day,' which has boosted sales of Insomniac's Spider-Man games on Steam. Spider-Man 2 is currently the seventh best-selling game on Steam, with Spider-Man Remastered at tenth.
Insomniac's release schedule, leaked from a 2023 hack, indicated Wolverine would launch in autumn 2026, which appears on track. The same schedule suggested Spider-Man 3 for autumn 2028, potentially making it a PlayStation 6 title. Sony's next console is expected to launch soon but could be priced over £1,000, raising questions about cross-gen availability.
