Marvel Rivals is a Huge Success. Many Marvel Video Games Are Not.

Marvel has long been a powerhouse in pop culture, dominating comic books, movies, and TV. But when it comes to video games, the journey has been a rollercoaster of hits, misses, and abrupt shutdowns. Despite Marvel Snap and Marvel Rivals finding success in recent years, many Marvel games have struggled to leave a lasting impact. Let’s explore Marvel’s history in gaming, focusing on the mobile and MMO titles that have come and gone, and why the tide seems to be turning now.

Marvel’s MMO Experiments: Big Ambitions, Short Lifespans

Marvel Heroes (2013-2017)

Touted as the “Diablo of Marvel games,” Marvel Heroes was a free-to-play MMO that let players control iconic characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man, and Wolverine. Developed by Gazillion Entertainment, the game had a promising start but suffered from mismanagement and dwindling player interest. Despite regular updates and expansions, Marvel Heroes shut down in 2017, leaving fans disappointed.

Marvel Universe Online (Canceled)

Before Marvel Heroes, there was Marvel Universe Online, an ambitious MMO project announced in 2006. Developed by Cryptic Studios, it aimed to be Marvel’s answer to DC’s DC Universe Online. However, the project was canceled in 2008, reportedly due to concerns about its commercial viability.

Marvel’s Midnight Suns (2022-Present)

While not an MMO, Midnight Suns brought tactical RPG elements to Marvel gaming. It’s a niche title compared to more mainstream offerings but has been praised for its depth and unique take on the Marvel universe.

Mobile Marvel Games: Hits and Misses

Marvel Future Fight (2015-Present)

One of Marvel’s most enduring mobile games, Future Fight is an action RPG with an expansive roster and regular updates. It remains popular among fans for its deep mechanics and constant flow of new content.

Marvel Contest of Champions (2014-Present)

This fighting game has been a cash cow for Marvel, combining simple gameplay with a massive roster of characters. Its success set the template for mobile Marvel games to come, emphasizing frequent updates and gacha mechanics.

Marvel Strike Force (2018-Present)

Another mobile success, Strike Force mixes turn-based strategy with team-building elements. While criticized for its aggressive monetization, the game continues to generate significant revenue and maintain a dedicated player base.

Marvel Puzzle Quest (2013-Present)

A hybrid of match-3 mechanics and Marvel characters, Puzzle Quest remains a low-key favorite for fans who prefer casual gameplay with a Marvel twist.

Marvel Tsum Tsum (2016-2019)

A spin-off of the wildly popular Disney Tsum Tsum puzzle game, Marvel Tsum Tsum brought chibi versions of Marvel heroes into the mix. While it had initial success in Japan and gained a niche following worldwide, the game ultimately couldn’t sustain its player base and was discontinued in 2019.

The Marvel Snap Revolution

In 2022, Marvel Snap took the gaming world by storm. Developed by Second Dinner, the creators of Hearthstone, Snap revolutionized mobile card games with its quick matches, innovative mechanics, and emphasis on strategy. It proved that Marvel’s brand, when paired with innovative gameplay, could create a sustainable hit.

• Why It Worked: Unlike its predecessors, Marvel Snap avoided predatory monetization practices and focused on delivering a polished, engaging experience. It became a blueprint for future Marvel games.

Marvel Rivals: The New Kid on the Block

Following Marvel Snap’s success, Marvel Rivals entered the scene in late 2024 as a 6v6 third-person hero shooter video game developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Marvel Games. This free-to-play title features destructible environments and a roster of 33 iconic Marvel characters, allowing players to employ ‘Dynamic Hero Synergy’ to enhance gameplay.

• What Sets It Apart: With cross-play support across all major platforms, Marvel Rivals has quickly gained positive reception for its innovative mechanics and immersive combat experience, despite early comparisons to Overwatch.

The Avengers Game: Square Enix’s Massive Misstep

Marvel’s Avengers (2020-2023)

Square Enix’s Marvel’s Avengers was one of the most anticipated titles in recent years. Released in 2020, the game promised a high-budget action RPG experience featuring Earth’s Mightiest Heroes. However, Avengers quickly became a cautionary tale for live-service games.

• The Problems: Critics and players alike slammed the game for repetitive missions, a convoluted progression system, and a lack of meaningful content post-launch. The game’s microtransactions also drew heavy criticism for being overly aggressive.
• The Fallout: Despite a promising start with strong sales during its launch window, player counts plummeted within months. Square Enix later admitted that the game was a “disappointment,” and support for the title officially ended in 2023, leaving it as a significant blemish on Marvel’s gaming history.

Lessons Learned: What Went Wrong and Right

The Missteps:

• Overambition: Games like Marvel Universe Online collapsed under the weight of their own ambitions, trying to do too much without clear direction.
• Monetization Issues: Titles like Strike Force and Contest of Champions were heavily criticized for aggressive microtransactions, alienating some players.
• Lack of Longevity: Even popular games like Marvel Heroes and Marvel’s Avengers failed to sustain their player base over time.

The Wins:

• Focus on Gameplay: Both Marvel Snap and Marvel Rivals prioritize engaging mechanics over flashy features, keeping players hooked.
• Regular Updates: Games like Future Fight and Contest of Champions succeed by constantly adding new content to keep things fresh.
• Accessibility: By focusing on mobile platforms, Marvel has tapped into a massive audience of casual and hardcore gamers alike.

The Wrap Up

Marvel’s video game journey has been a wild ride, but the recent success of Marvel Snap and Marvel Rivals shows that the company is finally finding its footing. The lesson here? Less is more. Instead of sprawling MMOs or overly complex projects, Marvel has found success by focusing on what fans love: compelling characters, engaging gameplay, and respect for their time.

Still, it’s hard not to wonder what could have been. Imagine if Marvel Heroes had received the same level of care and innovation as Snap. Or if Marvel Universe Online had been realized in today’s gaming climate. Marvel’s gaming future looks bright, but its past is littered with what-ifs.

What’s your favorite Marvel game? Let’s keep the conversation going!