It feels like both major comic book brands have been attempting to capture the live-service space for a while now. Recently, DC tried to excite its audience withSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League,while Marvel attempted to craftits own experience throughMarvel’s Avengers. While both ended up falling flat with players, it has not dissuaded Marvel asMarvel Rivalshas seemingly exploded onto the scene. And because of its massive success, DC Comics may have a lot to prove going forward.
As of now,Marvel Rivalsseems to be a massive sensation within the hero shooter market. Players seem to be loving its character roster, the monetization has been a breath of fresh air, and the game seems to be hitting all the right notes. It remains to be seen if NetEase Games can build upon that success, but if it can, then DC Comics may need to come up with something quick or be left behind.
Marvel Rivals Has Succeeded Where DC Has Struggled
Earlier this year, DC Comics attempted to dominate the live-service space withRocksteady Studios’Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The game was supposed to mark the grand return of the universe set up by theBatman: Arkhamseries and deliver an experience for DC fans to flock to. However, it failed to make any sort of impact when it finally launched. Players just did not care for its repetitive gameplay, the story was lacking compared to what had come before, and they were given little reason to come back for its post-launch seasons.
What was supposed to be DC’s big live-service push ended up failing to meet sales expectations, and it will likely not see many more post-launch seasons outside what was already revealed. Besides that, DC has not really had any major modern live-service experiences for players to check out.DC Universe Onlineis still going strong, but that game is definitely past its prime. Outside of that, DC has appeared inMultiVersusand there have been countless mobile titles, yet nothing has really compared to whatMarvel Rivalshas done.
Marvel Rivals Has Put Marvel On Top
Right now,Marvel Rivalsseems to be a massive hitfor Marvel Comics and NetEase Games. Players are loving its gameplay loop, the characters have been a joy to control, and the game has seemingly been exactly what hero shooter fans have been looking for. While it remains to be seen if the studio can keep that hype train rolling with its post-launch content, if it can, then Marvel may be able to build upon this for years to come.
Because of its success, Marvel seems to have nailed down the live-service market before DC can. It has also struggled in the past with the likes ofMarvel’s Avengers, butMarvel Rivalshas helped it right that shipconsiderably. Players have now experienced what a superhero shooter and comic-based live-service game can be, which means that DC will likely have a lot to prove when it attempts another live-service push. So, if it wants to make its own mark, then it will need to deliver something truly groundbreaking.
As of now, there is not much news on what DC’s next live service attempt will be. Players only really know thatThe Wolf Among Us 2andWonder Womanloom on the horizon, yet since the live-service market is extremely profitable, there will likely be another attempt sometime in the future. But, if it cannot push past the controversies ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leagueand be on the same level asMarvel Rivals, then it may also fall flat with its audience.
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!
