For the first time in its history, Avatar: The Last Airbender is getting a proper AAA video game. According to IGN, Paramount Game Studios and Saber Interactive, developer of the critically acclaimed Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, are working on a new action-RPG set in the universe of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
Details are light at the moment as it's still early in development, but the studios are not shying away from hyping it as "the biggest video game in franchise history."
The game is being made in "close collaboration" with Avatar Studios, the division launched by original show creators Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko in 2021 with the goal of expanding the Avatar universe. Set thousands of years in the past, it will put players in the role of an "all-new, never-before-seen Avatar."
There's no release date yet, but the game is being made for both consoles and PC.
Avatar: The Last Airbender originated as an animated fantasy action series created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko and produced by Nickelodeon Animation Studio. The series is set in a world where some people, known as benders, can control water, earth, fire, and air. Only one person, though — the Airbender — can wield all four elements in harmony and is responsible for maintaining harmony among the world's four nations.
In the original series, the Avatar is Aang, a twelve-year-old boy and the last survivor of his nation, the Air Nomads. Along with his friends Katar, Sokka, and Toph, they strive to end the Fire Nation's war against the other nations.
Paramount and Saber note that players "can expect to be immersed in a vibrant world, master all four elements, engage in dynamic combat alongside companions, and experience the challenges and decisions that come with being the keeper of balance in the world."
“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,” added 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.”
The critically acclaimed Avatar: The Last Airbender series aired on Nickelodeon for three seasons from 2005 to 2007. A follow-up sequel series, The Legend of Korra, ran for four seasons from 2012 to 2014. Netflix recently released a live-action remake of the series with the first season debuting earlier this year to mixed reception. The live-action series was renewed for a second and third season.