Summary
MultiVersusmay have been popular on launch, but its 15 minutes of fame wrapped up quickly—with the game going offline in 2023. However, the Warner Bros. brawler is attempting a comeback on May 28th, with a new assortment of features promised for its return. There are a few elements inMultiVersus' favor, but the game will have to do a lot to re-fill its own shoes.
An open beta ofMultiVersuswas released back in July 2022, kicking off with more than a little success. Despite being propped up by an initial wave of influencer support,MultiVersuslost almost all of its players. By February 2023, 99.3% of players had left—at least among those on Steam. With this mass exodus, the game’s open beta had to close its doors, with little left to sustain any fans who have stuck around.
MultiVersus Needs To Hit It Big A Second Time
Earlier this year, Player First Games returned with a number ofannouncements about theMultiVersusrelaunch. Its full release on May 28 will come with new maps, redone graphics, combat reworks, new netcode, PvE, and more. This is already looking like a substantial offering for new and old fans alike, much of which will go a long way. On the other hand, the challenge remains;MultiVersusalready succeeded once and died out—now it has to succeed again. Its success on launch was already something many games covet, but achieving that task again after its plight will be tough.
MultiVersus Will Need To Meet Critical Expectations
MultiVersus' fall wasn’t without prompting, as the game had a fair share of problems. Not only did new content slow down over time, but the new content that did come to the game was consistently unbalanced. A major example of this was Morty, an addition to the roster who was banned from the game’s ranked mode thanks to an exploit. Moreover, the game’s pivot to a live service, battle-pass model brought it into a more competitive market that’s been oversaturated for a long time. That same multiplayer focus also left no PvE content for solo players to chew on, in contrast to the robust campaign of something likeSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Luckily forMultiVersus, there’s reason for hope with the changes that have been announced. Not only is the game receiving graphical and netcode improvements, but combat reworks thatcould solveMultiVersus' balancing woes. As well as this, the PvE content that Player First Games has promised will go a long way to making the title feel like a full, well-rounded package on release. It will also grant the game more longevity and capability for retention, especially if solo modes are well-received.
There’s A Precedent For Games Making A Comeback
On the subject of hope, there is a precedent for games likeMultiVersusreceiving a second wind. Perhaps the most notable example of a game having a redemption arcwould beNo Man’s Sky, withCyberpunk 2077close behind. However, more applicable toMultiVersuswould beFall Guys—which followed a similar trajectory toMultiVersus; the game rose and fell, but was able to make a return. The increased number of games having a return from the dead is an inevitable symptom of patch culture which, while a flawed aspect of the industry, at least bodes well forMultiVersus.
Despite this potential for revival, Player First Games still need to be careful. With crossovers and multiverse stories becoming oversaturated, audiences of 2024are far less enthused by concepts likeMultiversus. This goes double for the lack of cohesion between its IPs, something that’s much stronger in rival games.MultiVersuswill need to check all the boxes on its return if it wants to avoid another trip to obscurity.
MultiVersus
WHERE TO PLAY
CHARACTERS: Choose from Bugs Bunny, Batman, Arya Stark, Rick Sanchez, and many more. In MultiVersus, every star brings their unique moves, worlds and attitudes to fight. And as the roster expands, so does the spectacle — with new personalities and play styles turning up the heat in every battle.MAPS: Our maps turn legendary realms like the Batman’s Bat Cave, Jake and Finn’s Treefort, Game of Thrones’ Throne Room into epic battle grounds. And the best part? We’re adding new maps regularly, so the party never stops!MODES: Whether you’re seeking the intensity of 1v1, the frenzy of a 4-player mayhem, or team up for strategic 2v2 battles, we’ve got you covered. Plus, introducing an all new PvE mode, a thrilling realm of limitless combat possibilities designed for solo or co-op play.CROSS-PLATFORM: MultiVersus has full cross-play and cross-progression support across all platforms.
