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NetEase, the publisher behind Marvel Rivals, has indicated that there is ample space in the gaming landscape for both its new hero shooter and Blizzard’s Overwatch 2, suggesting that competition does not necessitate a zero-sum game.
Launched at the end of 2024, Marvel Rivals quickly captured the attention of gamers, attracting millions from other live-service titles. It became the most-played game on Steam, garnering a staggering 40 million players overall.
In the wake of this success, Overwatch 2 faced significant challenges as its player base diminished. However, the introduction of a new game mode, fresh heroes, and an innovative Perk system helped to revitalize player interest and encourage a resurgence.
Despite the rivalry that players may perceive, developers and industry insiders emphasize the potential for both games to coexist successfully in the market. The focus is on collaboration rather than competition.
NetEase envisions a dual-path for Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2
Recently, NetEase, which serves as the publisher for both Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2 in China, addressed its vision for the hero shooter segment during its Q4 2024 earnings call, as noted by PCGamer.
Blizzard games, including Overwatch 2, had been absent from the Chinese market for over a year, only making their return in 2024 under the NetEase banner. The company now seeks to “revitalize the product and reach new heights” with both titles.
NetEase is committed to developing both games concurrently, ensuring that neither overshadows the other. “Both Marvel Rivals and Overwatch are excellent hero shooters,” they stated. “The market is large enough to accommodate both games. NetEase will strive to meet the diverse demands of their respective player communities.”
Despite initial setbacks, Overwatch 2 has shown signs of recovery, with increasing numbers of players returning to explore the revamped content and features.
As for Marvel Rivals, it is poised to continue offering new heroes, maps, and gameplay mechanics, fostering an evolving experience for its user base.
Ultimately, the existence of both titles could lead to a healthy competition that benefits gamers by pushing both games to innovate and improve continuously.
Source
www.dexerto.com