The official Mirror’s Edge Twitter account has posted an image of the word “Catalyst,” sparking discussions of an E3 reveal and speculation that the upcoming reboot may now be called Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst.
Earlier today a trademark for Catalyst was spotted on the EU intellectual property site, the Office for Harmonization in the International Market. EA’s filing revealed little, other than the standard description of “computer game software; downloadable computer game software via a global computer network and wireless devices, and video game software.”
Interestingly, “entertainment services, namely, providing an on-line computer game” is also listed. Although this may simply be EA covering all its basis, as publishers tend to do with new trademarks, it may on the other hand suggest Catalyst is the online component to the new Mirror’s Edge.
The trademark listing was closely followed by the Tweet below, which prominently features the word “Catalyst.” Along with that is a definition, which is very much in line with the narrative themes of Mirror’s Edge and the motivations of Faith, the game’s protagonist.
#mirrorsedge pic.twitter.com/hTG9sZRbAR
— Mirror’s Edge (@mirrorsedge) June 8, 2015
The Mirror’s Edge sequel was first revealed in June 2013, with DICE confirmed as its developer. Although little is known about the project, EA has said it will feature an open-world.
By its own account, the original Mirror’s Edge was a fairly niche title that didn’t achieve mass-market commercial success. However, EA is aiming to cast a wider net and reel in a larger audience with the sequel.
“Our goal in any product is to try and grow the audience,” previous EA executive Frank Gibeau explained. “We’re definitely taking into account the opportunity to reach a bigger group of people. We think we’ve got the right story and accessibility that can do that.”
EA Games vice president Patrick Soderlund previously described the new Mirror’s Edge as a “true next-gen idea.”
“It just happened to be a game design that I don’t think you can build on an old-gen machine,” Soderlund said. “It doesn’t work the way it’s designed. And that also appeals to me. We could maybe get it to work on one, but we would have to compromise on too many things. With this we didn’t have to.”
“It’s a true next-gen idea,” he added. “With next-gen execution and that felt right.”
The Mirror’s Edge sequel is currently in development for the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. In a recent call with investors, EA cheif executive Andrew Wilson indicated the Mirror’s Edge release date would be in early 2016.
EA’s E3 2015 press conference has been confirmed for June 15. In addition to Star Wars: Battlefront, this year’s EA Sports games, and the next Need for Speed, Mirror’s Edge and the new Mass Effect are expected to make an appearance.