A few weeks ago, I shared my thoughts on an upcoming live service game, Concord. While I enjoyed my weekend-long affair with the Concord open beta I don’t see myself pursuing much more Concord.
You can find out more in that post right here — Concord | A New Live Service Challenger Has Appeared.

The following week, I gained access to the Marvel Rivals closed beta — a team-based PvP superhero shooter set in the Marvel Universe — and the latest challenger in the live service wars. After a few hours of Marvel Rivals (on PlayStation 5) I’m thinking this game has more potential to survive the live service landscape for several reasons — and even a chance at great success.

At the moment there is no set release date for Marvel Rivals, but after doing some quick research they seem to be aiming for early 2025. From the state of the gameplay I would think this game could very well come out later this year. It felt pretty ready and baked to me. I wouldn’t be surprised if Marvel Rivals “shadow dropped” during the next online presentation.

There are three main reasons why I think Marvel Rivals will be the next big competitor in the online live service category, competing with games like Overwatch 2, APEX Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and even Fortnite.

1 | FREE-to-Play

When a new challenger enters the live service market, it doesn’t just have to be a good game — it has to be great. At least better than whatever game players are currently hooked on. These games need to grab the attention of potential players, turn them into raving fans, and build a community.

One way to grab some attention right away, for the opportunity of a brief “trial period,” is coming in as a free-to-play game. The games I listed above (Overwatch 2, APEX Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Fortnite) are all free to enjoy. It’s constant updates and new content that keeps players engaged.

As a free-to-play game, Marvel Rivals definitely has a chance to generate some buzz. Playing something new is always exciting, and no cash barrier to entry is a plus. This is why I’m already thinking Concord is starting off at a disadvantage. It’s a paid game in this market of mostly “free” games.

2 | Marvel Universe

Marvel Rivals definitely has the hype and recognition on its side. This is a well-known universe full of beloved characters. Thanks to the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) everyone and their grandmother is now familiar with even the most peculiar characters after their big screen debuts. No one knew who the Guardians of the Galaxy were before 2014, other than hardcore comic geeks.

Overwatch began with a cast of all-new heroes that no one was familiar with, as many games do. The masterful art of storytelling by the creative team at Blizzard Entertainment made these characters into larger than life creatures. There was a time (not too long ago) where the biggest lines at my local convention were for Overwatch voice actors — today, it’s all about the anime voice actors.

Playing the Marvel Rivals closed beta I found heroes that I was great with and ones that I was not so great with. I was still drawn to my terrible heroes due to my love for them — from comics, movies, and shows. Playing Overwatch early on, I always gravitated towards the heroes I played best — although that was always changing. No matter how bad I am with Bruce Banner/Hulk (in Marvel Rivals) I will continue to play with him to learn. I just love the character transformation — it’s very D.Va-like (from Overwatch 2).

3 | Third-Person

Playing Concord felt very close to playing Overwatch, and a big part of that was the first-person view. I played both Overwatch and Concord simultaneously that weekend to compare the two games, since Overwatch has been my go-to game in this genre for many years. Ever since that weekend ended, I’ve gotten back into Overwatch 2.

When I started playing Marvel Rivals I felt some similarities, but the third-person presentation made the gameplay feel completely different to me. I noticed how some Marvel heroes may have similar abilities to characters in Overwatch 2, but they mix different abilities together. For instance, Doctor Strange has the same walking shield ability as Reinhardt, but he’s not a tank and his other abilities set him apart.

I didn’t get to use any team-up abilities, but I do like the idea of them. Third-person works best for Marvel Rivals since we already love these heroes and villains. You want to see them in their entirety, not just a first-person view.

I mean, just look at that Spider-Booty! You won’t get that action in first-person view.

BONUS | I’m Amazing!

This final reason why I think/want Marvel Rivals to succeed may be a bit selfish, but I am pretty amazing at this game. When it comes to Overwatch 2 I can be good, sometimes pretty great. I was terrible at Concord the other weekend, until the very end when I figured out the jump and roll technique. However, when it comes to Marvel Rivals I am something of a master. I was the MVP — at least for one game.

You want proof? Here it is:

After having the best round of my life in any online PvP hero shooter, live service game — this includes my multiple Victory Royales in Fortnite and even a couple of crowns in Fall Guys.

Here’s some proof of those too:

Maybe it was a one round fluke with the Punisher, but even that one game built the hype for Marvel Rivals. I’m even hoping to have amazing rounds with other characters some day.

Before touching Marvel Rivals I was thinking, I’ll give this a try. Now, it’s in my highly anticipated release list. I will continue to play Overwatch, and I’m still hoping that Concord has some time to shine and build a following later this month when it releases, but once Marvel Rivals comes out I will be jumping back in.

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*myVGBC.com was provided a closed beta code for Marvel Rivals by the publisher.