Marvel Rivals Surges Amid Overwatch 2 Dip

Overwatch 2's Steam player count plummets following Marvel Rivals' successful launch. This article explores the impact of Marvel Rivals on Overwatch 2's player base, highlighting their similarities and contrasting reception.

A Direct Comparison

The release of Marvel Rivals on December 5th coincided with a significant drop in Overwatch 2's Steam player count. Overwatch 2 reached its lowest-ever concurrent player count on Steam, dipping below 17,000 players, while Marvel Rivals boasted over 180,000 concurrent players within days of its launch. The disparity is even more striking when comparing all-time peak player counts, with Marvel Rivals far exceeding Overwatch 2's peak. Both games share a similar free-to-play, team-based shooter structure, leading to inevitable comparisons. However, Overwatch 2's Steam reviews are overwhelmingly "Mixed," while Marvel Rivals enjoys a "Mostly Positive" rating, despite some balancing concerns.

Steam Represents a Small Portion of Overwatch 2's Total Players

It's crucial to remember that Steam only represents a fraction of Overwatch 2's total player base. Available on multiple platforms (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Battle.net), a significant portion of the player community resides outside of Steam. Many players prefer Battle.net, especially considering Overwatch 2's Steam port arrived a year after its Battle.net launch. Furthermore, cross-platform play requires a Battle.net account, potentially influencing player distribution.

Despite the Steam numbers, Overwatch 2 launched Season 14, featuring new content including a Scottish tank hero (Hazard), a limited-time mode, and the start of the Winter Wonderland event.

Both Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals are available for free on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Overwatch 2 also supports PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.