Many of you have most likely played or heard of the massively popular video game Marvel Rivals. If you haven’t, I’ll briefly explain what it is and why it has become so popular. Marvel Rivals is your typical 6v6 shooter game with a capture and domination type of objective. It’s similar to other games with the same premise, such as Paladins, Team Fortress 2, and, most importantly, Overwatch 2.
Many people who anticipated the release of Marvel Rivals were former Overwatch players who became frustrated with the way Blizzard, the parent company of Overwatch, ruined the game. Many attribute the release of Overwatch 2 as the turning point when players began to dislike Overwatch. The most notable change from Overwatch to Overwatch 2 was the switch from a 6v6 format to 5v5. The fan base was in an uproar, and many were upset about how the game performed in ranked play. Previously, the rank system followed a standard 2 tank, 2 damage, and 2 support setup. Without that extra player, people argued that the game was unplayable and harder than it used to be. Not everyone joined this bandwagon, some loyal fans have continued to enjoy the game since its release, and new players appreciate how the game is now. Despite this, many others were just waiting for the “magical wardrobe” to walk through. Upon hearing of Marvel Rivals, it soon became their Narnia.
On December 6, 2024, Marvel Rivals was released to the eager public. Within the first week, its total player count surpassed Overwatch 2 by a large margin. People raved about how Marvel Rivals was everything Overwatch 2 wished it could be. The problems that plagued Overwatch 2 were not present in Marvel Rivals. The ranked mode, a hot topic in Overwatch, showed promise for players as it implemented a ban system for higher-skilled players. This promotes a sense of control for those who want to remove certain characters they don’t enjoy playing against. A problem that Overwatch players had long complained about.
Marvel Rivals wasn’t only popular because it provided an alternative for dissatisfied players, it also capitalized on the ever-rising popularity of the superhero genre. Over the last decade, the superhero genre has exploded, with Marvel becoming a mainstream figure due to its movies, thereby sparking a surge in superhero media. Marvel Rivals takes advantage of this by tapping into the popularity of superhero culture. Fans who enjoy the Marvel movies are naturally incentivized to play the video game Marvel has released.
The fans themselves are keeping the game relevant and preventing it from fading into obscurity. This is done through memes, jokes, discussions, and an overall love for the game. Given the familiarity of Marvel Comics, it’s natural to assume that comic book fans are also interested in the game and are sharing theories about what the game might include next. Even after a month, I’m surprised to see countless videos about Marvel Rivals and a steadily growing fanbase.
However, Marvel Rivals is still a new game, and eventually, the honeymoon phase will end. There will be people who start to dislike Marvel Rivals, just like they did with Overwatch 2. Games that were once loved by the public have fallen out in favor of newer ones. It’s a never ending cycle. Perhaps some other company will release their own version of the game if Marvel Rivals starts to falter.