Avengers movie game remains in limbo until Marvel finds new developer

With the 2012 premiere of The Avengers looming ever larger, time is running short for Marvel to line up potential tie-ins for its superhero team-up extravaganza — and that includes the Avengers video game.

After game developer THQ unexpectedly ended work on many of their licensed titles — which included The Avengers, according to leaked concept art and animation — there’s been some uncertainty as to the fate of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in the gaming world.

It seemed only natural that the superhero team would receive their own game, given that each of the team’s members received tie-in games based on their solo movies, but now, well… things are less certain.

“The rights for a video game based on Marvel’s Avengers IP have reverted back to Marvel,” a Marvel spokesperson confirmed to GameSpot this week. “The company is in early stages of exploring potential publishing and licensing opportunities.”

While it’s unlikely that Marvel will let the opportunity for an Avengers movie game pass, the window of time required to make a good game in time for the movie is rapidly closing. While prior installments of Marvel’s movie tie-in games were generally regarded as mediocre at best, the recent Captain America: Super Soldier was received well — leading many fans to hope that the Avengers game would follow suit.

The Avengers is scheduled to hit theaters May 4, 2012.