Overwatch 2 Dev Blizzard Welcomes Marvel Rivals Competition, Says It’s Never Faced Another Game ‘So Similar to the One We've Created’

From its unveiling, *Marvel Rivals* drew immediate comparisons to *Overwatch*. Superficially, the similarities are striking: both are competitive multiplayer hero shooters, featuring distinct characters with unique abilities. However, *Marvel Rivals* leverages Marvel’s iconic roster of heroes and villains, creating a compelling alternative in the genre. Both games share a free-to-play model, sustained by live service updates and the introduction of new characters. Since its December launch, *Marvel Rivals* has experienced a meteoric rise in popularity, sparking speculation about its impact on *Overwatch 2*’s player base.

In a recent interview with GamesRadar, *Overwatch 2* director Aaron Keller acknowledged the emergence of *Marvel Rivals* as a significant competitor. He described the situation as “exciting,” highlighting the innovative ways *Marvel Rivals* builds upon established mechanics.

Overwatch 2 Perks

"We're obviously in a new competitive landscape…where there's another game that's so similar to the one that we've created," Keller stated. This competitive pressure, however, has spurred a shift in Blizzard's approach to *Overwatch 2*. Keller emphasized that "this is no longer about playing it safe."

Subsequently, Blizzard announced significant changes for *Overwatch 2* in 2025. While the roadmap includes new content, core gameplay will undergo a major overhaul, introducing hero perks and the return of loot boxes.

The success of *Marvel Rivals* is undeniable. Steam concurrent player numbers show *Marvel Rivals* consistently ranking among the top 10 most-played games, significantly outperforming *Overwatch 2*. Conversely, *Overwatch 2*'s concurrent player count on Steam has reached its lowest point since its 2023 release, highlighting the competitive challenge posed by *Marvel Rivals*. While Blizzard doesn't publicly release player numbers, the Steam data paints a clear picture.

Marvel Rivals Tier List: Best Heroes

Marvel Rivals Tier List: Best Heroes

*Overwatch 2* continues to grapple with a largely negative user review rating on Steam, a consequence of controversies surrounding its monetization and the cancellation of its anticipated PvE Hero mode. This negative reception contrasts sharply with the success of *Marvel Rivals*, leaving *Overwatch 2* facing a pivotal moment in its lifespan. For more on *Marvel Rivals*, including developer insights and speculation about a potential Nintendo Switch 2 version, check out IGN.