MultiVersus may be outrun by competitors before its release date. Learn more about the early stages of MultiVersus, player interaction, and whether it can compete with other fighting games in the future.
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MultiVersus' Beta Server Closure May Have Killed The Game
Raises Concerns About Future Viability
Decisions can make or break a title's success in the dynamic gaming market. The early shutdown of the beta servers for Warner Bros.'s intriguing cross-genre combat game MultiVersus is one such choice that has drawn criticism. The game's short break until a planned re-release in 2024 has sparked doubts about its long-term viability in a market overrun with competitors, despite its initial success and excitement.
A Strong Start
In July 2022, MultiVersus became a big gaming sensation thanks to its intriguing premise and fun gameplay, following a similar formula as that of the Super Smash Bros. series.. MultiVersus adopted the crossover model with its action-packed fighting game by incorporating well-known characters from other franchises owned by WB Studios, such as Shaggy from Scooby Doo and Arya from Game of Thrones. The game became well-known after its first release on Steam's early access program, solidifying its position as a top contender in the genre.
When Warner Bros. decided to shut down Multiversus' test servers despite its early success, players and fans were perplexed. The company officially announced it will have a triumphant comeback in early 2024. Still, this action seemed counterproductive, especially in light of the gaming industry's fierce competition. Players will only be discouraged from investing in the game's subsequent iterations if it is shut down during intense engagement and anticipation.
Rise and Fall of Player Engagement
The gameplay's primary concepts and character roster have a lot of promise to emulate Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's popularity. MultiVersus provided players with engaging characters, thrilling action, and compelling environments for a remarkable gaming experience. However, the choice to stop operations after the game's initial popularity spike might have instead damaged the game's reputation and made it more difficult for it to regain its former prominence.
Players were eager for new, fresh experiences because the game's developer, Player First Games, found it difficult to consistently update the game. Concerns about the game's monetization plan were also voiced, which affected user satisfaction. Multiversus' player base had significantly decreased in this time, from its all-time peak steam player count of about 153,000 in 2022 to 460 by May 2023, a far cry from its early glory.
The Uncertain Future
Other games in the same genre took advantage of the opportunity to establish a presence during Multiversus' suspension, with multiple significant studios competing to match Super Smash Bros. Biggest of all is Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, which has arisen as a competitor for players' attention, posing a danger to Multiversus' fan base. While both games are very similar to each other both in genre and focus, they differ in the franchises they represent and the game modes they implement. More importantly, All-Star Brawl 2 will be available while Multiversus won’t be.
MultiVersus may still be able to compete with the other fighting games by emphasizing its distinct character roster, fast-paced gameplay, team-based gameplay, cross-play, and free-to-play model. The game must keep users engaged with regular content updates, establish an active community, and build an excellent reputation. With the help of these actions, MultiVersus can establish itself as a distinct and intense fighting game that attracts various players.
