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DC FanDome 2020: What can Batman fans expect from 'Court of Owls' as WB Games Montreal teases big reveal

WB Games Montreal has released a teaser that may indicate a 'Court of Owls' video game – but what would that look like?

While WB Games Montreal has not yet officially revealed what their big game announcement will be during the DC FanDome event, it has released a teaser - and sharp-eyed fans have noticed a certain owlish symbology flicking in the dark. There's only one place that one could reasonably find owls of significance to the DC Universe – in the heart of Gotham, with the 'Court of Owls'. Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's event changed the Batman mythology in a major way back in 2011 with the 'Night of the Owls' storyline, and it looks like at long last, that story may be brought to life in an all new video game that could rival the Arkham series.

All New History

With the New 52 relaunch in 2011, all of DC's titles were given a major shake-up, starting with brand new #1 issues, with a lot of DC's history being tossed aside. Fresh new ideas were the name of the game, and Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo went straight to work introducing an all new antagonist for Batman, one whose repurcussions are being felt to this very day. The Court of Owls are an elite order of people hidden in Gotham City who have been funding and shaping the city's history for centuries. Where their substantial wealth cannot affect change, they send immortal, regenerating assassins known as Talons to do their dirty work.

'The Night of the Owls' saw the Court unleash their Talons across Gotham, nearly overwhelming Batman and his allies. At the head of this takeover was Lincoln March - a man who implied he was actually Batman's secret brother. The series sought to introduce the idea that Gotham was never truly Batman's city, but that it belonged to the owls. It was not just Batman's greatest physical challenge, but one that challenged his idenity itself.

In preparation for its panel at the DC FanDome, WB Games Montreal released a tweet, within which can be seen owl symbols if you pause at just the right moments.

All New Settings

The whole premise behind the Court of Owls is a simple one: You might think you know Gotham, but there's so much more hidden underneath it all, and all of it belongs to the Owls. It's the perfect premise to introduce to gamers who are used to exploring Gotham city across the various 'Arkham' games. The best parts of Batman games are uncovering new secrets. The Labyrinth, in which Batman slowly loses his mind as the Court watches him from above, is just one of the many new locations that could be featured in the game.

All New Batsuits

As Batman is pushed to his limits like never before, we see him take on new costumes never seen before. Wearing a special heated armor to counteract the Talons' need for cold environments, Batman's mecha-armor was a force for the Talons to reckon with in one of Batman's most memorable battles, right in the Batcave. It's also the pre-curso for the giant Bat-mecha suit that Jim Gordon wore when he took on the role, which the game might also feature. Also included in the game are a ton of new Talon designs, including one Owlman design worn by Lincoln March.

More Team-Ups

'The Night of the Owls' wasn't just a Batman story - it was a crossover that spilled over into all of the Gotham-related titles. Nightwing, Robin, Batgirl, the Birds of Prey, and even Jason Todd's team of Outlaws were all brought in to deal with the Talon invasion of Gotham City. The ;Arkham' games largely saw Batman working alone, with the appearances of other heroes being either cameos or DLC that was removed from the main story. With 'The Night of the Owls,' howver, WB Games Montreal has a real chance of introducing a game that's a whole Batfamily affair!

The WB Montreal Games panel at DC FanDome will air Saturday, Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. PT.