Marvelhas always had a presence in the world of video games, from the earliest days of gaming with titles like 1982’sSpider-Manfor the Atari 2600, to 2000s classics likeSpider-Man 2andMarvel Ultimate Alliance.Marvel’s presence in the gaming world has grown exponentially stronger in the last decade or so, withInsomniac’sSpider-ManseriesandGuardians of the Galaxysetting a high bar, and titles likeMarvel’s Wolverine,Blade, andMarvel 1943: Rise of Hydranow on the horizon.
But while single-player narrative-driven games have always been Marvel’s bread and butter, the company has been gradually gaining more traction in the mobile and live-service market. And by the end of 2024,Marvelcould stand as a titan of the free-to-play world.
Marvel Has Started to Dominate the Free-to-Play Market
Marvel Snap Is Still a Popular Mobile Game
Originally released in October 2022,Marvel Snapwas a major success in its first few months. Along with earning critical acclaim and aGame Award for Best Mobile Game,Marvel Snapwas officially crowned as the highest-grossing collectible card game in September 2023 when it announced it had made $100 million in global revenue.
Though its current player count and sales stats aren’t known, it seems likely thatMarvel Snapis still considered a success for the company, with new content still hitting the game at a regular pace. After a multitude of failed attempts to dominate the mobile market,Marvel Snapfinally gave the company its white whale.
Marvel Continues to Have a Strong Presence in Fortnite
A hub of all things pop-culture,Fortnitehas hosted more than its fair share of Marvel crossovers over the last six years. Along with skins based on Marvel comics and MCU movies,Fortnitehas also experimented with a few larger-scale Marvel-themed events, such as two entire seasons revolving around the brand. Thelatest MarvelFortniteseasoncame to an end at the beginning of November, and it saw players face off against Doctor Doom while suited-up as War Machine, Iron Man, and an array of other Marvel heroes and villains.
WhileFortniteis also home to skins from DC,Star Wars, Disney,Dragon Ball Z,Transformers,Assassin’s Creed,Halo,Resident Evil, and so many other pop-culture franchises, Marvel is by far one of the most prevalent in the live-service game, withover 70 Marvel skinsbeing present in the game so far.
Marvel Rivals Is Poised to Steal Overwatch’s Crown
As evidenced byConcord,the hero shooter genreis notoriously difficult to succeed in right now, butMarvel Rivalslooks set to give games likeOverwatcha run for their money. After an incredibly successful playtest that saw over 52,000 players join the PC servers on day one,Marvel Rivalshas already gained quite a following, and there’s a lot of excitement surrounding its upcoming December 6 release date.
Marvel Rivals' upcoming crossover with games likeFortniteandMarvel Snapexemplifies Marvel’s rise in the free-to-play market.
A recent dev diary video from NetEase has also confirmed some exciting plans forMarvel Rivals' December 6 launch. In the month followingMarvel Rivals' release, it’ll receive six new heroes and a bevy of new maps. And there’s plenty more where that came from, withMarvel RivalsSeason 1 set to begin in early January 2025. IfMarvel Rivalscan keep its players hooked long-term, then Marvel could end up being one of the biggest names in the free-to-play market.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
