According to a recent report, a significant number of Overwatch 2 players switched to Marvel Rivals after leaving the game in December 2024. It appears that Marvel Rivals had a hand in pulling players away from Blizzard’s popular team-based shooter, shedding more light on previously suspected trends.
The anticipation surrounding Marvel Rivals before its December 2024 release was palpable. As a team-based hero shooter, comparisons with Overwatch 2 were inevitable. However, Marvel Rivals carved its niche by tapping into the allure of the Marvel universe, reimagining beloved comic characters in ways that captivated fans. This successful approach saw it attract vast numbers of players on platforms like Steam.
In a detailed analysis presented by Insider Gaming, insights from a NewZoo gaming industry report shed light on Marvel Rivals’ impact on Overwatch 2. It was found that 45% of players who left Overwatch 2 in December turned to Marvel Rivals instead. These former Overwatch enthusiasts contributed to the soaring numbers enjoyed by Marvel Rivals at its launch. As per the report, the game was among the most-played titles of the year, ranking as the eighth most popular on Steam for 2024. Additionally, it was the third most-played new release for the year, trailing only behind titles like Helldivers 2 and Palworld—both of which had earlier releases, allowing them to amass greater total playtime.
Marvel Rivals’ success story, as highlighted by the NewZoo report, also paints a picture of Overwatch 2’s decline. Overwatch 2 experienced an 8% dip in free-to-play engagement in 2024. Despite a nostalgic Overwatch Classic event, the boost in player interest was short-lived, with daily active users declining by 26% soon after. This decline closely followed the launch of Marvel Rivals, which hit the scene just four days after the Overwatch Classic concluded.
Looking ahead to 2025, Marvel Rivals stands at a pivotal point. The NewZoo report underscores its influence in bolstering free-to-play gaming towards the end of 2024. Yet, maintaining this momentum will be key to ongoing success. Luckily for NetEase, Marvel Rivals’ Season 2 is on the horizon, and the plan is to introduce new heroes more regularly. We’ll see in time if these strategies will keep its player base thriving throughout the year.
