Avatar: The Last Airbender — Nickelodeon’s iconic anime-inspired TV series — has received several video game adaptations over the years. Paramount Game Studios is now teaming up with another major developer to produce what it refers to as the “biggest video game in the franchise’s history.”
Per IGN, Paramount Game Studios and Crysis 3 developer Saber Interactive are currently working on a new action RPG set in Avatar‘s vast and lore-rich fantasy universe. As Paramount and Saber described in a written announcement, the game will “put players in the role of an all-new, never-before-seen Avatar,” while having them “engage in dynamic combat alongside companions and experience the challenges and decisions that come with being a keeper of balance in the world.” To make this concept a reality, the companies are also partnering with Avatar Studios, the production company founded and operated by Avatar creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko. The announcement also stated that the game will be released for both PC and home consoles.
Avatar: The Last Airbender’s New Action RPG Is in Early Development
The franchise’s most recent video game installment, Avatar: The Last Airbender — Quest for Balance, was released in September 2023. Developed by Bamtang Games, this installment allows players to relive the events of the original TV series through exploration, combat and puzzle-solving. However, Paramount and Saber’s upcoming game will be a completely new adventure set within Avatar‘s fictional universe. Doug Rosen, Senior Vice President of Paramount’s Games and Emerging Media division, is extremely enthusiastic about the project. “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,” Rosen stated.
While the original Avatar TV series came out almost 20 years ago, fan interest in the franchise remains extremely high. According to a recent Netflix engagement report for 2024, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra and Avatar’s 2024 live-action adaptation have racked up over 900 million watch hours on Netflix. With this in mind, a high-budget action RPG that immerses players in the Avatar universe is certain to entice long-time fans. “Our team members are some of the most devoted, passionate creatives out there,” says Josh Austin, Head of Saber Interactive’s Development & Licensing division. “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 [World War Z], and we’re excited for all that’s on the horizon.”
According to Paramount and Saber, Avatar‘s AAA RPG, is still in “early development.” Therefore, an official release window is not likely to be revealed anytime soon. In the meantime, Avatar fans can stream the original animated series on Paramount+ and Netflix.
Source: IGN
