Overwatch 2's Dip Fuels Marvel Rivals' Rise

Overwatch 2 Steam Player Count Plummets Following Marvel Rivals' Success

Overwatch 2 has experienced a significant drop in its Steam player count, coinciding with the highly successful launch of Marvel Rivals. This article explores the impact of Marvel Rivals on Overwatch 2's performance on the Steam platform.

A Direct Competitor Emerges

Since its release on December 5th, 2023, Marvel Rivals has drawn a substantial player base, leaving Overwatch 2 struggling. On December 6th, Overwatch 2's Steam player count plummeted to 17,591, further declining to 16,919 by December 9th. In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals boasted 184,633 players on December 6th and 202,077 on December 9th. The disparity is even more pronounced when considering all-time peak player counts: Marvel Rivals reached a staggering 480,990, significantly exceeding Overwatch 2's 75,608 peak. The similar free-to-play, team-based PVP shooter mechanics of both games have fueled comparisons, ultimately impacting Overwatch 2's reception. Negative Steam reviews, from both Marvel Rivals fans and dissatisfied Overwatch 2 players, have contributed to a "Mixed" overall rating for Overwatch 2, while Marvel Rivals maintains a "Mostly Positive" rating, despite some balance concerns.

Steam Represents a Small Portion of Overwatch 2's Player Base

It's crucial to acknowledge that the Steam numbers represent only a fraction of Overwatch 2's total player count. Available on Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Blizzard's Battle.net, the game's player base extends far beyond Steam. Reddit discussions suggest many players utilize Battle.net, especially considering the Steam version's 2023 release, a year after its Battle.net Early Access launch. Furthermore, cross-platform play requires a Battle.net account, regardless of the primary platform.

Despite the Steam decline, Overwatch 2 recently launched Season 14, featuring new content such as the Scottish tank hero, Hazard, a new limited-time mode, and the 2024 Winter Wonderland event.

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