Warner Bros. has announced a third game in the Batman: Arkham series helmed by its Warner Montreal studio - and not series developer Rocksteady.
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As previously rumoured, Origins takes place years before both of the previous Arkham titles when a young, unrefined Batman encounters many supervillains for the first time.
As Game Informer reveals on its cover image, Origins sees the assassin Deathstroke appear for the very first time in a core Arkham game.
According to GI, Arkham Origins' story sees eight of the world's best assassins come to Gotham City for one night - Christmas Eve - with the purpose of killing Batman.
During the story Batman will meet certain characters "very important to him" for the first time. Origins will also be the first Arkham game set on the streets of Gotham City.
WB Montreal has full access to Rocksteady's modified Unreal engine for the sequel and is said to be aiming "to capture the look and feel of the Arkhamverse."
Speaking to GI, the Arkham Origins team said they're aware the studio is "standing on the shoulders of giants" by attempting to follow up two of the most acclaimed titles of the generation.
ZoomEric Holmes, lead designer of the well-received Incredible Hulk: Ultimate Destruction and Prototype, will serve as creative director on Arkham Origins.
Handheld title Arkham Origins Blackgate will release on the same day as the home console version and is billed as "a completely separate experience that takes place after the events of Arkham Origins."
Armature Studio, founded by several leads behind the Metroid Prime trilogy, is developing the "2.5-D exploration action game."
