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| Injustice (series) | |
|---|---|
| Title | Injustice |
| Developer | NetherRealm Studios |
| Publisher | Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment |
| Platforms | PlayStation, Xbox, Windows, iOS, Android |
| First release | Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013) |
| Latest release | Injustice 2 (2017) |
Injustice (series) The Injustice series is a fighting video game franchise developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment featuring characters from DC Comics, DC Universe adaptations, and related licensed properties. The series began with a standalone title in 2013 and expanded into a multi-platform franchise that influenced tie-in comics, films, and esports events involving competitive scenes at tournaments such as EVO Championship Series and DreamHack. Its narrative-driven approach integrates storylines tied to major comic book arcs and multimedia DC Extended Universe adaptations.
Injustice centers on an alternate-history conflict where prominent figures from DC Comics—including Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash (Barry Allen), Green Lantern (Hal Jordan), and Lex Luthor—clash in scenarios influenced by events from Crisis on Infinite Earths, Kingdom Come, and The Dark Knight Returns. The franchise fuses cinematic storytelling reminiscent of Mortal Kombat cutscenes with competitive fighting systems drawing from fighting-game lineage involving studios like Midway Games and development teams behind Mortal Kombat (2011 video game). Narratives explore themes mirrored in graphic novels and limited series published by DC Comics imprints and intersect with creators associated with Tom Taylor, Brian Michael Bendis, and artists whose work appears alongside mainstream runs.
The main entries include Injustice: Gods Among Us (2013) and Injustice 2 (2017), with mobile adaptations such as Injustice: Gods Among Us Mobile and free-to-play evolutions on iOS and Android platforms. The series also spawned tie-in downloadable content packs, season passes, and character DLC that introduced guest fighters from properties associated with SnyderVerse aesthetics and cross-promotional efforts alongside LEGO and DC Super Hero Girls merchandising. Standalone comic series published by DC Comics expanded canonical timelines paralleling the game releases.
Combat in Injustice marries 2.5D fighting-plane mechanics with interactive stages and super moves inspired by systems in Mortal Kombat X and predecessors from Midway Games' arcade heritage. Core features include a combo system, meter management, environmental interactions using props tied to locations like Gotham City, Metropolis, and the Fortress of Solitude; and a gear and progression system introduced in Injustice 2 that echoes loot mechanics popularized in role-playing video games and looter-shooter titles from studios like Epic Games and Bungie. The series incorporates cinematic story mode chapters that utilize voice acting, motion capture, and scripted boss encounters similar to narrative modes found in Marvel vs. Capcom titles.
The roster draws extensively from DC Comics' pantheon: protagonists and antagonists such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Aquaman, Cyborg, Harley Quinn, Joker, Poison Ivy, Catwoman, Darkseid, and Brainiac. Voice performers include talent associated with franchises like Smallville, Arrow (TV series), and Young Justice; notable actors and voice artists who contributed across the series have credits in productions by Warner Bros. Television, DC Animated Universe, and theatrical features from DC Studios.
Development was led by Ed Boon and teams at NetherRealm Studios, with technology and design heritage tracing back to Mortal Kombat and collaborations with Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment licensing divisions. The original title debuted following promotional showcases at events such as E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo), San Diego Comic-Con International, and Gamescom, followed by post-launch support through patches and DLC coordinated with platforms like PlayStation Network, Xbox Live, and Steam. Injustice 2 refined the engine and introduced a gear system, receiving updates timed with New York Comic Con announcements and esports circuits.
Critics and players praised the series’ storytelling, cinematic presentation, and character portrayals, leading to nominations and awards within industry ceremonies linked to The Game Awards and coverage from outlets such as IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon (website). The franchise influenced fighting-game discourse at major competitive events including EVO Championship Series and contributed to cross-media strategies by Warner Bros., affecting how licensed comic properties are adapted into interactive entertainment. Sales performance placed both main entries among notable releases during their respective launch windows on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One generations.
Expanded media includes an ongoing comic-book series published by DC Comics that explores alternate timelines and prequel narratives written by creators tied to mainstream DC Universe continuity. Animated and live-action influences are visible in tie-in promotional shorts and character portrayals that resonate with productions from Warner Bros. Animation and the broader DC Extended Universe. The series also inspired merchandise collaborations with companies such as McFarlane Toys and themed content for fighting-game community events hosted by organizations like Major League Gaming and tournament organizers connected to Fighting Game Community circuits.
Category:Video game franchises