Overwatch 2 is currently facing significant challenges as it competes with the burgeoning popularity of Marvel Rivals, a new hero shooter that has quickly attracted a large player base.
Just nine months after its initial reveal, Marvel Rivals has emerged as a formidable contender in the gaming arena. Early predictions dubbed it the “Overwatch killer,”and now that players have had a chance to experience the game, it’s clear that Blizzard is up against serious competition.
Following its release by NetEase, the free-to-play Marvel Rivals has exceeded expectations, drawing comparisons to Overwatch. Despite criticisms from Blizzard’s former president labeling it merely a “copy,” the game is being positively received, marking a promising start for the new title.
Marvel Rivals has seen a meteoric rise, amassing over 10 million players within just 72 hours of launch. Meanwhile, Overwatch 2 is grappling with an unprecedented decline in player engagement, experiencing its lowest concurrent player numbers ever on Steam.
Marvel Rivals is rapidly establishing itself as a dominant force in the hero shooter genre.
Overwatch 2’s Player Count Declines Amidst Marvel Rivals’ Triumph
In light of the excitement surrounding Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2 has reported a considerable decline, with its player count dropping to a concerning low. As per SteamDB, it has reached a low of 16,919 concurrent players, setting a new record for its smallest active player base to date.
It’s important to note that while Steam represents one venue for gameplay, many continue to play on BattleNet and consoles, which could contribute to Overwatch 2’s overall player engagement. However, the sharp contrast with Marvel Rivals’ rapid rise highlights the current disparity in popularity between the two titles.
Marvel Rivals not only reached an impressive peak of 480,990 concurrent players on Steam but also greatly surpassed Overwatch 2’s previous record of 75,608 concurrent players.
The new hero shooter is also making waves on streaming platforms, boasting over 170,000 live viewers compared to Overwatch 2’s mere 6,400 during the same period.
With Overwatch 2’s upcoming seasonal update set to introduce a new hero, there is potential for renewed interest among players.
As the landscape of live service games dictates, fluctuations in player numbers are common. Notably, Overwatch 2 is preparing to launch its next major seasonal update on December 10, which could spark a resurgence in player activity on Steam.
Only time will tell whether Marvel Rivals can sustain its leading position in the hero shooter universe or if the initial buzz will diminish over time. For those eager to dive into the action, consulting our hero tier list may yield a competitive advantage in selecting the best characters.
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