Insomniac Calls Massive Wolverine Hack Extremely Distressing: Game Is in Early

 Posted on September 7, 2024  |  5 minutes  |  893 words  |  Jenniffer Sheldon

The video game industry has been rocked by hackers this month, first with the early leak of Rockstar Games’ trailer for “Grand Theft Auto 6” and this week’s hack of Insomniac, the developer behind “Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” and the upcoming “Wolverine” game.

Hackers stole private data from Insomniac Games employees and released early gameplay footage from the highly anticipated game “Marvel’s Wolverine.” All that had been previously shown of the “Wolverine” game was a short teaser in 2021, but now a stolen, early build of the game has been floating around online.

In a statement released Friday morning, Insomniac called the leak “extremely distressing.”

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“We’re both saddened and angered about the recent criminal cyberattack on our studio and the emotional toll it’s taken on our dev team. We have focused inwardly for the last several days to support each other,” the company said. “This experience has been extremely distressing for us.”

An update regarding Insomniac and Marvel's #WolverinePS5. pic.twitter.com/CMkCCoZwwj

— Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) December 22, 2023

Hackers threatened to release Insomniac’s private data unless they were paid $2 million, which the company refused to do. Millions of files were then posted online, which included plans for future “Spider-Man,” “X-Men” and “Ratchet and Clank” games that extended into the 2030s under a partnership with Sony.

The leaked “Wolverine” footage has circulated online and on X/Twitter, though many video game news outlets and fans stood by Insomniac and refused to share the videos until the company is ready to give a proper first look at the game.

Read Insomniac’s full statement below.

Thank you for the outpouring of compassion and unwavering support. It’s deeply appreciated.

We’re both saddened and angered about the recent criminal cyberattack on our studio and the emotional toll it’s taken on our dev team. We have focused inwardly for the last several days to support each other.

We are aware that the stolen data includes personal information belonging to our employees, former employees, and independent contractors. It also includes early development details about ‘Marvel’s Wolverine’ for PlayStation 5. We continue working quickly to determine what data was impacted.

This experience has been extremely distressing for us.

We want everyone to enjoy the games we develop as intended and as our players deserve. However, like Logan…Insomniac is resilient. ‘Marvel’s Wolverine’ continues as planned. The game is in early production and will no doubt greatly evolve throughout development, as do all our plans.

While we appreciate everyone’s enthusiasm, we will share official information about ‘Marvel’s Wolverine’ when the time is right.

On behalf of everyone at Insomniac, thank you for your ongoing support during this challenging time.

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