After dominating the comic book movie genre for over a decade, Marvel has entered the hero shooter genre with the long-awaitedMarvel Rivals. This game has thrust players into the Marvel universe, put them in the shoes of some of their favorite heroes, and forced them to battle it out in a veryOverwatch-like experience. While that blend may sound risky, it seems to have worked fantastically as thousands of players flock toMarvel Rivals. And now that it has built some strong foundations, Marvel has the chance to do something very special here.
It is no secret thatthe Marvel Cinematic Universe has struggleda bit during the Multiverse Saga. Some of the films have failed to excite the fan base, the Disney Plus shows have proven overwhelming, and various controversies have forced the studio to refocus the entire saga. However, throughMarvel Rivals, the studio could right the ship a bit. Not only could it be used as the perfect form of advertising, but the MCU could also capitalize on some ofMarvel Rivals' most popular aspects going forward.
The MCU and Marvel Rivals Could Build on Each Other
Marvel Rivals Would Thrive With MCU-Themed Events
SinceMarvel Rivalsis a live-service title, there will likely be plenty of events for players to participate in. Each season will come with a new theme, and if it follows in the footsteps of other shooters, then NetEase Games is probably planning special events outside of that. While it remains to be seen just what those events entail, theMCU could provideMarvel Rivalswith countless themes to tap into.
In 2025, MCU fans are going to be treated to a whole host of new projects, with a new one practically every other month. As of right now, there are nine different titles for them to look forward to, and each one could lend itself to aMarvel Rivals' event. Players could collect new cosmeticsbased onCaptain America: Brave New World, Daredevil could be added to the roster whenDaredevil: Born Againpremieres, The Fantastic Four could make their debut withThe Fantastic Four: First Steps, and the game could be filled with zombies whenMarvel Zombiesfinally releases. Each MCU entry could bring with it new cosmetics, heroes, and missions for players to mess around with. And if done well, it could serve as another way to hype them up for whatever comes next while also capitalizing on the most popular entries.
The MCU Could Capitalize on Popular Marvel Rivals' Heroes
Marvel Rivalsis not the only thing that could benefit from a relationship like this, as the MCU could also tap into some of the game’s most popular heroes and scenarios. While many of the heroes have already had their live-action debut, some of them have yet to appear in any sort of film or TV show.However, when a character such asJeff the Land Sharkexplodes in popularity, then the MCU could add thatcharacter to some project in the future. Even if they are simply a side character or Easter egg,Marvel Rivalsfans would likely love to see their favorite heroes on the big screen.
IfMarvel Rivalscontinues to be a massive success, then the MCU may have the perfect marketing campaign laid out for it. Each film or TV show would benefit from cosmetics, and the MCU could take inspiration fromwhateverMarvel Rivalsis doing. Of course, both projects should still aim to stay mostly disconnected and original. But they could also really help bolster the other with all sorts of tie-in projects. And as the game grows, so too could the potential of these exciting events.
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!
