Former Overwatch Players Allegedly Flock to Marvel Rivals

A recent report illuminates that a staggering portion of players who bid farewell to Overwatch 2 in December 2024 found a new digital home in Marvel Rivals. It seems Blizzard’s team-based shooter is losing ground, and Marvel Rivals is one of the culprits.

Marvel Rivals had been one of the hottest anticipated games leading up to its release in late December 2024. As a team-based hero shooter, parallels to Overwatch 2 seemed inevitable. However, NetEase, the game’s developer, set out to differentiate it by capitalizing on the widespread appeal of the Marvel franchise. They introduced adaptations of beloved comic characters, which struck a chord with fans and helped Marvel Rivals defy expectations. The game pulled an impressive number of players on platforms such as Steam.

According to Insider Gaming, a report from industry analyst NewZoo gives more context to this trend. It underscores how Marvel Rivals’ debut influenced the gaming landscape, notably affecting Overwatch 2’s player base. The data reveals that 45% of those who left Overwatch 2 in December pivoted to Marvel Rivals, contributing significantly to its early success. Riding high, Marvel Rivals became the eighth most-played game on Steam in 2024, with its popularity only trailing behind titles like Helldivers 2 and Palworld, which had the advantage of earlier release dates.

The NewZoo report doesn’t just highlight Marvel Rivals’ rise; it also casts a spotlight on Overwatch 2’s struggles. Overwatch 2 saw an 8% dip in its free-to-play hours for the year. The Overwatch Classic event attempted to reignite player enthusiasm, but this proved temporary as engagement levels shrank by 26% when facing the excitement of Marvel Rivals, which launched just days after the event ended.

As we look toward the rest of 2025, all eyes are on how Marvel Rivals will maintain its momentum. The NewZoo report already credits the game with boosting free-to-play gaming trends in 2024, even with its late debut. The challenge will be sustaining that player interest. Fortunately, NetEase is already strategizing with the impending release of Marvel Rivals Season 2. The promise of more frequent character updates may just keep fans locked in, but only time will tell if the game can continue its climb in player numbers throughout the year.