In contrast to numerous live service games finding it tough to make a mark amidst fierce competition, one shining example hailing from 2024 is NetEase Games’ Marvel Rivals. Debuting in December, this game was made available not only on PC but also on Xbox and PlayStation consoles. Marvel Rivals has swiftly surpassed many of its unsuccessful counterparts, climbing to new heights at a rapid pace.
In December 2024, analytics company Newzoo reported that Marvel Rivals was the third most popular game played in multiple countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. Notably, it was outranked by just two well-known heavyweights, Fortnite and Call of Duty.
According to Mat Piscatella, executive director and analyst at Circana, Marvel Rivals was the most popular game on Steam during the week ending December 28, 2024. Additionally, it secured the third and fourth positions on Xbox and PlayStation. Although data from Circana is only for U.S. video games, it highlights the significant impact of Marvel Rivals, as it has rapidly gained popularity across all platforms, drawing players away from their traditional preferences.
Marvel Rivals has thrived amidst the struggles that numerous live service game newcomers have faced in recent years. For instance, PlayStation’s Concord, which debuted in 2024, was shut down shortly after its launch due to insufficient player numbers. Although PlayStation has achieved success with Helldivers 2, it has also recently scrapped two other live service games before they were officially unveiled, further illustrating the challenges these types of games often encounter when trying to take flight.
Previously, I’ve discussed the predicament often encountered in the gaming world, where popular, long-lasting titles such as Call of Duty, Fortnite, numerous sports games, and others tend to monopolize a significant portion of gamers’ focus, thereby shrinking the opportunities for new games to thrive.
The game Marvel Rivals boasts several advantages. Firstly, it’s free to play, allowing cross-platform interaction. Secondly, it leverages the widespread appeal of a beloved setting – the Marvel universe. Thirdly, its visually striking design and detailed costume choices make optional in-game purchases for additional outfits appealing.
As a passionate gamer, I’ve learned not to assume anything in this ever-evolving gaming world. There are numerous games that initially impressed with their stunning graphics and smooth performance, only to fade into obscurity due to various reasons. Other games have had a promising start, but their luster has dimmed over time through updates, causing some disappointment among players.
I’m uncertain about the broader market response, but it’s exciting to witness a fresh game gaining traction, demonstrating that engagement can still be captured in an era where it’s particularly challenging. It’ll be intriguing to monitor if NetEase Games can sustain this momentum through 2025 and beyond.
Marvel Rivals is currently free-to-play on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and PlayStation 5.
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2025-01-25 18:09