AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER is getting its first AAA-level budget for an upcoming action RPG video game. Set in the Avatar Legends universe (the Avatar franchise’s expanding lore universe), fans will soon be able to play as an “all-new, never-before-seen Avatar” in a story that takes place thousands of years into the past.
Originally announced by reporter Alex Stedman via IGN, the game is being adapted in close collaboration with Avatar Studios which is run by original show creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. It’ll also be made available for both console and PC though details beyond this are rather slim.
“We know loyal fans of Avatar: The Last Airbender have been eager for more stories that bring them into the universe of the show, and through gaming, we’re able to expand the world-building and allow fans to experience the new content in a completely immersive way,” said Doug Rosen, SVP, Games and Emerging Media at Paramount. “Saber Interactive has a proven track record in bringing IP-based games to life, and we are excited to co-fund this AAA title alongside them and let fans experience this world first-hand.”
“At Saber, we are all truly fans of the IP we work with,” said Josh Austin, Head of IP Development & Licensing, Saber Interactive. “Our team members are some of the most devoted, passionate creatives out there and it’s an honor to join forces with Avatar Studios and Paramount Games to further expand the Avatar Legends universe in video games. This unique co-fund structure is a result of our ever-expanding collaboration with Paramount, which started over a decade ago with WWZ, and we’re excited for all that’s on the horizon.”
In a commentary about the upcoming game by Paramount and Saber, the game is promised to feature an immersive world, mastery of all four elements, dynamic combat featuring battle companions, and the typically consequential and difficult RPG elements of having to make choices. And while Avatar: The Last Airbender has been adapted into numerous video games since its debut, this time does feel different, as AAA gaming has its difficulties right now so its rare to see a company go all-in this much on an IP.
And yet, of all things to get the RPG and AAA video game treatment, this one does feel like a very obvious no-brainer. Avatar: The Last Airbender has a large multigenerational hit appeal, plus fuses the art styles of west meets east at a time where that’s become the dominant sort of art style in fashion. In many ways the show was seen as the first successful American attempt at anime, and of course, the hit comic adaptations of Avatar: The Last Airbender by Dark Horse were also NYT best-sellers.
Huge win all-around for games and air bender fans if they can pull this off.
English (US) · 