Ouch.

Since publishing this article Warner Bros. has been in touch with Eurogamer to explain its decision to omit multiplayer from the Wii U edition of Batman: Arkham Origins. The publisher explained that it only wants to develop the feature on the platforms with the largest install base.

Here's what a spokesperson had to say:

Multiplayer will be available for Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. The team is focusing development efforts on platforms with the largest multiplayer audience.

Original Article:

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has today given a few more details regarding the online component of its forthcoming title Batman: Arkham Origins, and it would appear that Wii U owners are getting short-changed yet again.

The press release states that the online mode — which is being developed by Splash Damage (Enemy Territory: Quake Wars, Brink) — is only destined for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC; the Wii U is conspicuous by its absence.

Here are the details:

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today confirmed that Batman: Arkham Origins will ship with a mode that allows players to take the franchise’s award-winning gameplay online to play with friends and foes. The online component blends the traditional Arkham gameplay with third-person shooter mechanics and is in development by Splash Damage.

The online mode will be available for the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and Windows PC. The game is scheduled to launch worldwide Oct. 25, 2013.

The Batman: Arkham Origins Online mode offers players the chance to hunt as Batman or Robin against the most challenging opponents yet, friends and other gamers online. Players can also take on the role of a Super-Villain Elite and get a peek behind the curtain of what it’s like to side with The Joker or Bane as they establish their legacy by taking down Batman and Robin, and anyone else who gets in their way. Fans will even be able call in the ultimate reinforcement to help turn the tide in any match by playing as The Joker or Bane themselves.

Given that Wii U owners will be paying the exact same price for the game as their 360 and PS3-owning pals, it seems rather unfair to rob them of an entire online mode which is included in other versions of the game.

We've approached Warner Bros. for comment and will update this story if anything new comes to light.