Fans Are Fuming Warner Bros Patented the Nemesis System But Isn't Using It 1

Wonder Woman was the third game by Monolith expected to use the Nemesis System. The feature – first introduced in Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor – powers emergent storylines in each individual playthrough, giving antagonists unique personalities which changes how they respond to your actions in the world.

The studio expanded on the system in Middle-earth: Shadow of War, and had been expected to do the same in its aforementioned DC tie-in. But with the release now cancelled, we may have seen the last of the fascinating mechanic.

Subscribe to Push Square on YouTube155k
Watch on YouTube

What makes this more frustrating is that publisher Warner Bros actually applied for a patent on the feature in 2015, which was finally granted in 2021 and will expire on 11th August, 2036. That’s over 11 years away, folks!

While the language of the patent is relatively vague, it effectively describes a system whereby procedurally generated NPCs belong to an in-game hierarchy which can change depending on the player’s actions. Said characters may also alter their appearance and/or behaviour depending on what you do.

What this means is that any developer attempting to build a similar system or mechanic would effectively have to obtain a license from Warner Bros, although it’s certainly possible they could create riffs on the formula that aren’t explicitly the same.

To be fair, it’s feasible other studios under the publisher’s umbrella could use the system in the future: a sequel to Hogwarts Legacy could leverage it, for example, or even an upcoming Batman game. But realistically, with Monolith closed, it seems unlikely this system will be revisited for a while. A shame because it had huge potential!

[source ign.com]