Blizzard embraces rival Marvel game

Marvel Rivals, since its unveiling, has drawn inevitable comparisons to Overwatch. Superficially, the similarities are striking: both are competitive multiplayer hero shooters, with Marvel Rivals utilizing Marvel characters where Overwatch employs its own roster. Key mechanics and gameplay systems share remarkable resemblance. Both are free-to-play, live-service titles, relying on new character additions to maintain player engagement.

Marvel Rivals' explosive popularity since its December launch has fueled speculation about a corresponding decline in Overwatch 2's player base. The prevailing narrative suggests NetEase's Marvel Rivals is actively drawing players away from Blizzard's title.

In a recent GamesRadar interview, Overwatch 2 director Aaron Keller addressed this new competitive landscape, acknowledging the unprecedented challenge posed by a game so similar to their own.

Overwatch 2's Response

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Keller described the situation as "exciting," praising Marvel Rivals for taking established Overwatch concepts in "a different direction." However, he also admitted Marvel Rivals' success has prompted a significant shift in Blizzard's approach to Overwatch 2: "this is no longer about playing it safe."

Consequently, Blizzard announced sweeping changes for Overwatch 2 in 2025. While the roadmap includes anticipated new content, core gameplay will undergo a dramatic overhaul, introducing hero perks and the return of loot boxes.

The success of these changes in revitalizing Overwatch 2 remains to be seen. Nearly nine years after the original Overwatch's 2016 debut, and two and a half years since Overwatch 2's launch, Blizzard doesn't publicly release player numbers. However, Steam concurrent player counts for Overwatch 2 are at historic lows, peaking at 37,046 in the last 24 hours. In contrast, Marvel Rivals maintains a top 10 Steam position, with a 24-hour peak of 310,287 concurrent players.

Overwatch 2 currently holds a "mostly negative" user review rating on Steam, reaching the dubious distinction of being the worst-reviewed game on the platform in August 2023. Criticism largely centers on monetization practices following the controversial transition from a premium model to a free-to-play sequel, rendering the original Overwatch unplayable. Further controversies, including the cancellation of the anticipated PvE Hero mode, fueled negative player sentiment.

IGN offers further coverage of Marvel Rivals, including developer statements on datamining and the potential for a Nintendo Switch 2 release.