The hero shooter genre has seen many games come and go over the years, many of which have lasted just a few months before being shut down due to low player counts. Just like any other genre that relies onthe live-service model, hero shooters need to make sure they have the right monetization strategy from day-one, and that’s somethingOverwatch 2struggled with.
When the firstOverwatchreleased in 2016, it retailed for $40. At the time, this was a reasonable price for a multiplayer-only title, especially one offering a novel gameplay experience. Flash forward six years and Blizzard decides to releaseOverwatch 2as a free-to-play title, significantly changing the game’s approach to monetization. As such,Overwatch 2’s October 2022 launch was fraught with criticism, the type of criticism thatMarvel Rivalswill likely avoid completely.
Marvel Rivals Is Avoiding a Major Issue From Overwatch 2’s Launch
Overwatch 2’s First Monetization Model Was Very Controversial
WhenOverwatch 2first launchedinto early access in October 2022, it made some controversial decisions regarding its monetization practices. While the sequel would be completely free-to-play, most of its progression systems would now revolve around a Battle Pass. An immediate criticism levied atOverwatch 2was that new heroes would be locked behind this premium Battle Pass, requiring players to spend real-world cash to unlock new characters.
Another major criticism of this new Battle Pass approach was thatOverwatch 2had completely removed loot boxes in favor of it. While loot boxes were a fairly controversial aspect of the original game, their removal wasn’t viewed as a positive thing. Instead,Overwatch 2’s removal of loot boxesessentially removed players' ability to unlock skins without spending money.
Thankfully,Overwatch 2’s monetization practiceshave been revised a few times since the game’s 2022 launch. All heroes are now unlocked for all players without the need to purchase Battle Passes or special currencies, and players are able to unlock a nice range of skins for their heroes by earning in-game currency via gameplay. But those initial criticisms are hard to forget.
How Marvel Rivals Is Side-Stepping Overwatch 2’s Original Monetization Problems
Marvel Rivalsseems to be avoidingOverwatch 2’s monetization issues from the get-go. For a start,developer NetEasehas confirmed that all 33 launch heroes will be immediately unlocked for free, and any heroes that are added in future updates will also be completely free. The same is true for any new maps and modes that are in added in future seasons.
The only thingMarvel Rivalsis putting a price tag on is cosmetics, and even that approach is as reasonable as it can be. Players will be able to unlock a free Battle Pass every season that grants them new skins, MVP cinematics, and other cosmetic goodies. Players have the option to purchasea Luxury Battle Passto unlock additional rewards, all of which are cosmetic and don’t affect gameplay at all.
Once a Luxury Battle Pass has been purchased, players will be able to keep working on it even after the season ends, eliminating the time pressure found in fellowlive-service titles likeFortnite. Players will also be able to earn a range of free skins and cosmetics by completingMarvel Rivals' events and unlocking the game’s achievements. They’ll also be able to gradually earn the currency (Lattices) needed to purchase premium cosmetic bundles.
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!
