Batman Arkham Asylum is a video game for the Xbox 360, PS3 and PC. In the game, players take on the role of Batman, locked inside of the Gotham City insane asylum with a number of the character's classic villains. Appearing in the game are The Joker, Harley Quinn, Killer Croc, Bane, Poison Ivy and Scarecrow.

The Joker has lured Batman and Commissioner Gordon inside Arkham Asylum, and threatens to detonate bombs throughout Gotham City if anyone tries to enter or leave the prison gates. Batman then has to conduct an investigation into the asylum to get to the bottom of the Joker's evil plot.

Players travel through Arkham Asylum, controlling Batman through the use of a third-person perspective, from behind Batman's shoulder. Unlike games such as Grand Theft Auto IV, the path through Arkham is directed for players, though there is some freedom of movement within levels. This is similar in some ways to a game like Dead Space.

The game places emphasis on "detective work" and frequently has the player use gadgets to find hidden items and uncover clues.