Blizzard Entertainment has recognized the rising competition from Marvel Rivals, a game that shares significant similarities with its own Overwatch 2. Both titles are competitive multiplayer hero shooters, featuring unique characters and gameplay mechanics.
Marvel Rivals, which launched in December 2024, utilizes characters from the Marvel universe and has quickly gained popularity. This success has reportedly impacted player interest in Overwatch 2, which has seen a decline in active users since Marvel Rivals‘ release.
In light of this new competitive landscape, Blizzard has announced plans for substantial changes to Overwatch 2, set to roll out in 2025. These changes will include new content and a shift in core gameplay, introducing hero perks and the return of loot boxes.
Current statistics reveal a stark contrast in player engagement between the two games. Overwatch 2 has recently recorded its lowest concurrent player numbers on Steam, peaking at just over 37,000. In comparison, Marvel Rivals has achieved a peak of over 310,000 concurrent players.
Overwatch 2’s reputation has also suffered, with a ‚mostly negative‘ user review rating on Steam. The game’s transition to a free-to-play model has drawn criticism, particularly after the cancellation of its anticipated PvE Hero mode, which many players viewed as a key feature.
As Blizzard prepares to adapt to the challenges posed by Marvel Rivals, the gaming community awaits the impact of these upcoming changes on Overwatch 2’s player base.
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