Summary

Warner Bros.may be updating its patented Nemesis System to allow players to form their own NPC factions and followers to help them in battle.Warner Bros-owned developer Monolith Productions first introduced the Nemesis System in 2014’sMiddle-earth: Shadow of Mordor, which featured enemies that reacted to and remembered the player’s actions, resulting in more personal rivalries and relationships with Orc foes that all had unique names and behavioral patterns.

The Nemesis System would be expanded upon in the 2017 sequelMiddle-earth: Shadow of War, with the player able to recruit their former foes to their cause or drive them into a deeper rivalry after besting them in combat. In 2021,Warner Bros. patented the Nemesis System, meaning that only games developed within its umbrella can use the popular mechanic pioneered by Monolith, such as theupcomingWonder Womangamethat was announced at The Game Awards back in 2021.

A group of diagrams from a patent for Warner Bros. Nemesis System.

There might be a few new bells and whistlesadded to the Nemesis Systemwhen players see it next, as Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. recently filed a patent that could signify some major updates to it. These updates seemingly include the ability to form positive relationships with NPCs, who can then be grouped into supporting factions and assist on missions. This could include infiltrating enemy hierarchies like spies, or rescuing the player from “certain death” if a fight becomes too difficult.

Warner Bros. Could Update Its Nemesis System For Wonder Woman

As mentioned before, Monolith Productions is currentlyworking on aWonder Womangame, and it has already been confirmed that the Nemesis System will be utilized in some capacity. It’s not exactly clear howMiddle-earth: Shadow of War’s Nemesis System will translate toWonder Woman, but fans remain hopeful that the scarcely used mechanic will be done justice in the upcoming DC-based video game.

Wonder Woman’s lore alreadylends itself well to the Nemesis System, and these reported updates could allow players to form alliances with Princess Diana’s fellow Themysciran warriors - who could then be sent to infiltrate humankind or arrive to help their champion in the nick of time during a particularly difficult battle. The possibilities of these updates toWarner Bros.’ proprietary Nemesis System are fascinating, to say the least, and this newly filed patent could be a sign that the popular and immersive gameplay mechanic will be used more frequently after being dormant since 2017.

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor Tag Page Cover Art

Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor

WHERE TO PLAY

Winner of multiple awards including Game of the Year, Best Action Game and the most innovative game of this generation. Experience the ground-breaking Nemesis System as you fight through Mordor and ultimately confront the evil of Sauron in this new chronicle of Middle-earth.