Mark Waid to Develop Official Justice League Video Game

Mark Waid has been a key figure in the DC Comics universe since 1985, crafting iconic narratives like 1996’s Kingdom Come and playing a pivotal role in the development of the publisher’s most beloved heroes. Now, he’s teaming up to co-write Justice League Unlimited: The Roleplaying Game, which is set to launch its crowdfunding campaign in July.

“I’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge about the DC universe over the years, and I’m always eager to share that,” Waid shared during a video call. “My passion for role-playing games dates back to my college days.”

D20 Culture’s CEO, Peterson Rodrigues, approached Waid to gain insights into the current landscape of the DC universe, aiming to create an official tabletop role-playing game that allows players to embody established heroes or craft their own characters with diverse powers and backgrounds.

“We have a treasure trove of comics to draw inspiration from, a dedicated team eager to dive deeper into research, and Mark to clarify any questions we have about accurately representing characters,” Rodrigues explained. “He highlighted numerous aspects we should adjust to ensure fidelity to the DC Universe and the lore surrounding each character.”

A comprehensive quickplay PDF is now available for download, providing a glimpse into the rich lore of the game. The introductory adventure tasks superheroes with defending Metropolis from an assault by Cyborg Superman Hank Henshaw while simultaneously thwarting Parasite’s attempts to exploit the ensuing chaos. Rodrigues emphasized the aim of encouraging players to move away from the “murderhobo” mentality often seen in other TTRPGs, instead embracing the themes found in series like JLU and World’s Finest.

“It’s a game centered on heroism, and we want players to embody that spirit,” Rodrigues stated. “The focus should shift from merely defeating villains and gaining power to saving lives and inspiring hope. You are a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs heroes.”

By shifting the emphasis away from combat, the game allows for a diverse array of heroes, from Kryptonians to martial artists and shapeshifting meta-humans.

“Batman stands on equal footing with Superman in this game, despite Superman’s raw power, because Batman can influence the world just as significantly,” Rodrigues noted. “This isn’t solely about strength or damage output.”

Waid recently tested this balance in a game with fellow comic book writers. He took on the role of Air Wave, who can manipulate radio signals and transform into energy, while Tim Sheridan played Green Lantern, Morgan Hampton portrayed Cyborg, and Jeremy Adams took on the role of Damian Wayne.

“In past TTRPG campaigns, the focus was often on individual character abilities,” Waid reflected. “This game emphasizes teamwork, encouraging players to collaborate and leverage their abilities in synergy.”

In Justice League Unlimited, the game master is known as the Editor, who steers the narrative and can introduce complications by spending Editorial Points. Players can earn Plot Points to ensure success on a roll, narrowly evade attacks, or push their abilities beyond normal limits. However, over-reliance on manipulating the plot can trigger a Crisis, which could manifest as anything from an alien invasion to time travelers arriving on the scene.

“We aimed to capture the whimsical, unpredictable essence of the Silver Age comics where anything is possible,” Rodrigues remarked.

The initial release will feature a core rulebook, a guide to the Justice League’s headquarters (the Watchtower), adventures for various play tiers, and rules for a wide range of threats, from kaiju to vampires. Three additional books are already in pre-production, and Rodrigues is in discussions with other comic writers to create adventures. Waid will continue to contribute to the game’s evolution alongside DC Comics and envisions the potential for official crossovers.

“I’m a teacher at heart, and I relish the opportunity to share my knowledge with new generations of writers,” Waid expressed. “Whether they’re current comic writers, aspiring creators, or players looking to express themselves through storytelling in these games, it’s rewarding to guide them along their journey.”