Marvel Rivals vs. Overwatch 2: Can Both Hero Shooters Thrive?

When Marvel Rivals dropped at the end of 2024, it took the gaming world by storm—millions of players jumped ship from other live-service games, and it quickly became the most-played game on Steam with over 40 million players in total.

Meanwhile, Overwatch 2 wasn’t looking too hot. Its player base started shrinking fast, forcing Blizzard to roll out a new game mode, multiple new heroes, and a Perk system to bring players back. Now, things are starting to turn around.

NetEase Says There’s Room for Both

Despite the rivalry between these two hero shooters, publisher NetEase—which handles both Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2 in China—doesn’t see them as direct competitors. Instead, they believe both games can thrive together.

On a recent Q4 2024 earnings call, NetEase stated:

    “Botho Marvel Rivals and Overwatch are excellent hero shooters. The market is large enough to accommodate both games. NetEase will strive to meet the diverse demands of their respective player communities.”

 

 

Overwatch 2’s Comeback Arc

Overwatch 2 had a rough patch, especially since Blizzard’s games were unavailable in China for over a year. But with NetEase now handling Overwatch 2’s Chinese relaunch, they’re focused on revitalizing the game and reaching new heights.

And it’s working! Players are coming back to check out all the new content and gameplay changes.

Friendly Competition = Better Games?

At the end of the day, both Marvel Rivals and Overwatch 2 are here to stay. With new heroes, maps, and updates on the horizon for both games, the competition might actually push them to get even better.