Batman: Arkham City Director Says Game is 'Single-Player Only'

Dispelling long-standing rumors, Batman: Arkham City director Sefton Hill has confirmed that the game is a "single-player only" experience. "With the game now coming to the final stages, I can honestly say it would not have been possible to deliver Arkham City the way we wanted to if we'd have added multiplayer," he told IGN.

"So it may not be the fashionable choice, it might not get us an extra tick on the box, but we are convinced, and we hope that gamers will agree when they get to play the finished game, that we have made the right decision," he said.

Rumors of a multiplayer element have been persistent for Arkham City, some claiming that a Robin or Nightwing may be involved, others pointing to the inclusion of on-again, off-again love interest Catwoman. She was brought in as a story element, says Hill, to create an "interesting dilemma" for both characters.

Responding to complaints of the game being over-packed with villains, Hill said, "we are choosing characters who we think have an interesting story to tell and who can challenge Batman in an original and exciting way. So it's true, there are more villains. A lot more villains." Hill promises a few more villain reveals coming soon.

As for what makes Arkham City stand apart from its predecessor, Hill pointed out that most of the feedback on Arkham Asylum was positive, which challenged the team to improve the sequel without a clear message from fans. "So we decided to focus on delivering one main promise: I want to be The Batman in Gotham."