Injustice 2
"Injustice 2" is confirmed for the Xbox One and PS4 in 2017. NetherRealm Studios

A new “Injustice 2” leak has revealed the possible inclusion of the infamous Joker to the game’s character roster. Though Joker’s addition had been long speculated by many, NetherRealm Studios has been notably quiet regarding the character’s involvement in the game. Even the studio’s own Ed Boon, who is known to tease fans regarding upcoming releases, has been rather absent from any hints that suggest the Joker might be included in the upcoming video game. Radio silence from the two has only further fuelled speculations which have now been reinforced by a leak showing the game’s trophy list with Joker’s notable involvement in two of the title’s in-game achievements.

These two achievements, as revealed in Xbox Achievements, highlight the Joker in particular. First there is “I Love You, I Hate You,” which requires Harley Quinn to defeat the Joker with the use of her “Go Night Night” ability as the killing blow. Then there is “Why Aren’t You Laughing?” which prompts players to defeat Batman with a final hit from Joker’s “Not So Funny Is It?” attack. Seeing as the latter most notably suggests that players will take control of the Joker, it is thus hinted that he will be a playable character upon the game’s release.

Additionally, with the reveal for the last spot in the character roster coming up on April 28, the puzzle pieces fit to have Joker in the picture. As Game Rant points out, this is further backed up by the fact that the announcement date coincides with the number “428,” which also pertains to Issue 428 in comics, known by fans as the dark event, “Death in the Family.”

Though all signs point to yes with regard to the Joker joining the sequel’s character lineup, it can be remembered that he did not actually survive the events of the first “Injustice” game. How the Joker’s inclusion in the sequel remains to be unseen, but perhaps the upcoming character announcement will provide fans with some answers soon enough.

Other character revelations have previously included the likes of other famous DC characters, such as Brainiac, Poison Ivy, Scarecrow, The Flash, Captain Cold, Catwoman and Cheetah, among several others. A sequel to the first “Injustice” game — which was released in 2013 — “Injustice 2” will be available on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One by May 16.