Mike Ybarra, the former president of Blizzard Entertainment, has publicly criticized the upcoming hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, claiming it bears a striking resemblance to Overwatch 2. He points to the similarities in character design as a key piece of evidence.
The discussions surrounding the similarities between Marvel Rivals and Overwatch have led the game’s developer, NetEase, to step in and clarify their unique features. Despite their efforts, comparisons continue to swirl in the gaming community.
In a recent statement on X (formerly Twitter), Ybarra remarked, “Looks like Overwatch Marvel Rivals ships tomorrow. Much like Light of Motiram (a clear copy of HZD) out of China,”suggesting that Marvel Rivals is as derivative of Overwatch as he believes Light of Motiram is of Horizon Zero Dawn.
Ybarra notably highlighted a comparison between two iconic characters from the respective franchises: Widowmaker from Overwatch and Black Widow from Marvel. He quipped, “Even the character name – Widowmaker in OW vs. Black Widow in Marvel Rivals lol. NetEase/Tencent – all the same.”
Looks like Overwatch Marvel Rivals ships tomorrow. Much like Light of Motiram (a clear copy of HZD) out of China. I mean even the character name – Widowmaker in OW vs. Black Widow in Marvel Rivals lol. NetEase/Tencent – all the same. https://t.co/mQcZFpebtX
— Mike Ybarra 🎄🎅 (@Qwik) December 4, 2024
The Origins of Black Widow and Widowmaker
It’s important to note that Black Widow first made her debut in the Marvel comic Tales of Suspense #52 back in 1964, whereas Widowmaker was introduced only with the launch of Overwatch in 2016. This highlights a substantial difference of over 50 years between the two characters’ origins.
This timeline led to widespread criticism towards Ybarra’s statements, with many accusing him of misinformation. While Ybarra seemingly aimed to compare gameplay and abilities, any similarities are limited; both characters utilize a sniper rifle and grappling hook, as showcased in Black Widow’s reveal trailer.
Comparative analysis reveals that Widowmaker focuses on strategic positioning and sightline control, requiring players to charge up shots. In contrast, Black Widow boasts greater mobility and can instigate immediate attacks without the need for charging, making her more versatile in close-range combat.
The ultimate abilities of each character also differ significantly. Widowmaker can activate temporary wall hacks to enhance her targeting capabilities, while Black Widow’s ultimate, the Electro-Plasma Explosion, creates a damaging area that slows down enemies, facilitating easier targets.
For gamers eager to experience Black Widow’s gameplay, Marvel Rivals is set to launch on December 6 for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. For further details on this exciting hero shooter, be sure to check out the Season 0 updates and the full character roster.
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