TheMarveluniverse is vast and filled with a massive roster of compelling and diverse characters, but the spotlight has recently been set on one of the brand’s more lesser-known characters. Agatha Harkness has gained a huge platform in the MCU, with the character bringing heavy witchcraft elements along with her via theAgatha All Alongseries. TheMarvelcharacter has only recently been a major player in the MCU’s newest phase, but her influence should also trickle over into gaming.
First introduced inWandaVision, the character of Agatha became a hit with viewers, which brought her own stand-alone series to life.The supernatural elements of Marvelhave been long-awaited by many fans.WandaVisionplanted the seed for the MCU to start showcasing more magic, andMultiverse of MadnessandAgatha All Alonghave further explored these concepts within Marvel. Now that Agatha is becoming a more popular character, Marvel games should take note of the audience’s desire for more supernatural stories.
Marvel Games Diving Deeper Into the Brand’s Supernatural Elements
The Supernatural and Magic Paves the Way For Horror Themes
Bringing supernatural themes to the forefront wouldn’t exactly be new to Marvel games;Marvel’s Midnight Sunsrecently explored the more mystical and paranormal aspects of the Marvel Comics universe. However, there is one significant downside.Marvel’s Midnight Sunsidentity as a tactical strategy game keeps it from reaching a wider audience, since this genre mainly appeals to a specific type of video game fan. Bringing more narrative-focused single-player games to life through the eyes of a supernatural Marvel world could be a compelling turn for the brand’s growing lineup.Arkane’s upcoming Blade gameis a move in the right direction, but Agatha could ignite a more magic-focused Marvel series that could be a gaming gold mine.
Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange, and Agatha Harkness are all featured inMarvel’s Midnight Suns.
Putting Magic in the Spotlight
The MCU has been pushing to bring more magic into its live action adaptations, but gaming could ultimately be the place for it to truly thrive. Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange, and now Agatha, have become fan-favorite characters, and supernatural powers can be translated more effectively into a game adaptation.Marvel’s Midnight Sunsdoes this quite well, but the strategy title doesn’t solely revolve aroundMarvel’s powerful magic-users.
Villains like Mephisto could set the stage for some compellinghorror-themed Marvel storiesthat could finally bring more darkness to the franchise. The MCU looks to be testing the supernatural waters further in upcoming projects. With Mephisto playing a role inAgatha All Alongand Doctor Doom, who has ties to the demonic being, entering the cinematic universe, the doors could be wide open for game adaptations to follow suit.
Embracing Marvel’s Horror Potential
The Untapped Source of Marvel’s Magic Lore
DespiteMarvel’s Midnight Sunsexploring the supernatural and Arkane’s Blade project adding vampires to the equation, many of Marvel’s games have been more lighthearted ventures. Titles likeInsomniac’sSpider-MangamesandGuardians of the Galaxyhave brought strong stories to life, but the darker and more mysterious aspects of Marvel lore have yet to see their full potential. Whether it features Agatha, Scarlet Witch, Doctor Strange, or a diverse team of magic-users, this angle is a source filled with plenty of possibilities.
Theories suggest thatAgatha All Along’s Rio Vidal is actually the character Death.
As the MCU seems prepared to bet on its magic-focused storylines, games could be the placewhere Marvel’s darkest lore shines. Witchcraft, demonic villains, and literal Death as a character all show that Marvel has merely scratched the surface with these concepts. These themes are likely to continue throughout the MCU, but the world of gaming could be a much stronger foundation to build a supernatural series on.
