The next entry in the chaotic open-world Just Cause series is in development at Square Enix, as confirmed by a casual comment from the publisher's president in a recent earnings report.(*5*)
The position of the Just Cause series has been somewhat uncertain after Square Enix announced last month that it had sold several of its Western studios to video game holding company Embracer Group. This included big franchises like Tomb Raider, Deus Ex and Legacy of Kain, but it seems Just Cause wasn't one of them.(*5*)
In a recent financial results report (opens in a new tab), Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda confirmed the series' status: "The Just Cause franchise will remain our intellectual property," he said. "And we are currently working on the development of a new title in the franchise" (thanks, GameSpot (opens in a new tab)).(*5*)
Matsuda didn't say if the title would be a full episode, but with Just Cause 4 releasing in 2018, a new sequel is likely in the works. It's also likely that series developer Avalanche Studios will take the reins on this upcoming Just Cause game. As PCGamesN points out, the studio is recruiting for positions in its next "cutting-edge triple-A open-world game." (*5*)
(*5*)(Image credit: Square Enix)
What's next for Just Cause?
Just Cause has followed a simple guiding principle with each new release: go above and beyond. Each entry is bolder, bigger, and more ridiculous than the last, as the series continues to lean more towards explosive, high-octane violence.(*5*)
The first game carved a niche for itself in the open world genre by giving you a grappling hook to play with. The second added a parachute to improve fluidity of movement, and the third added a wingsuit that allows you to glide seamlessly across its map. The fourth game expanded its features to include detachable rocket boosters and other toys to play with, plus extreme weather conditions to navigate.(*5*)
It all culminated in incredibly frenetic combat and traversal, as you glide across tropical islands while launching tornadoes and engaging enemy vehicles in the air. But the bar is also high for Just Cause 5: what other tricks could be added to the series' core frenetic violence to keep it fresh? There are many possibilities, ranging from more environmental combat mechanics to additional movement tools. The scope of Just Cause 5 is really very wide. (*5*)
And it's not the only Just Cause game in development, either. Last year, Square Enix announced Just Cause: Mobile, a free-to-play third-person shooter that will include both single-player and multiplayer elements. From what little we've seen so far, it looks like you'll be playing as an agent of your own making, teaming up with other players to wreak havoc under the auspices of series regulars Rico Rodriguez and Annika Svensson.(*5*)