Remembering DC’s Game Similar to Marvel Rivals

The popularity of comic book heroes continues to soar, especially in the realm of video games. Titles such as Marvel Rivals and the acclaimed Marvel’s Spider-Man series from Insomniac have dominated player attention. This raises a crucial question: why has DC struggled to release a comparable product to rival Marvel’s success? The answer reveals that DC previously attempted to launch a game reminiscent of Marvel Rivals in the early 2010s, yet this effort went largely unnoticed before it ultimately failed.

While Marvel has achieved remarkable success in the gaming industry, DC’s ventures have not fared as well. Recent releases focusing on select groups of heroes and villains, including 2024’s Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League and 2022’s Gotham Knights, received lackluster reviews from both critics and the gaming community. At one point, an ambitious multiverse-themed online game called Infinite Crisis was under development for DC, but it eventually slipped into obscurity after failing to attract a dedicated player base.

Does DC Have A Game Like Marvel Rivals?

A Similar Title Once Existed In The Mid-2010s

DC did, in fact, have a game intended to showcase its extensive roster of characters akin to Marvel Rivals. This title, Infinite Crisis, launched in March 2015, only to fold later that year in August. Unlike Marvel Rivals’ third-person shooter format, Infinite Crisis adopted the MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) style, a genre made popular by titles like DOTA 2 and League of Legends.

Developed by Turbine and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Infinite Crisis featured nearly thirty playable characters, with iconic figures like Batman, The Joker, and Green Lantern offering multiple variations. Unique multiverse iterations such as Gaslight Batman and Atomic Poison Ivy added some flair, yet they were not enough to captivate an audience.

Despite the familiar game template that both Infinite Crisis and Marvel Rivals followed, their experiences starkly differ. While Marvel Rivals capitalized on the hero shooter dynamics akin to Overwatch, Infinite Crisis struggled to distinguish itself within the already crowded MOBA genre. Players questioned the value of switching from established favorites to a near-identical game featuring DC heroes.

Infinite Crisis Struggled & Was Ultimately Shut Down

Low Player Numbers And A Lack Of Faith

In its brief existence, Infinite Crisis was a basic entry in the MOBA genre, set against the backdrop of beloved DC locations such as Gotham City. However, the game failed to articulate why players should shift their focus from established competitors to a new title that felt so similar. While it initially attracted interest, a host of technical difficulties diminished player retention during its early weeks. Data from SteamDB revealed that the game peaked at just under 7, 000 players, swiftly declining from that number.

Several critical issues hampered Infinite Crisis’ potential, including unbalanced heroes that frustrated players and the absence of a ranked mode—an essential feature for MOBA enthusiasts. As player numbers dwindled, the game lacked bots to fill matches, further complicating gameplay dynamics. The distribution of player numbers across various game modes multiplied the problem, leading to a segmented and insubstantial player base.

Ultimately, doubt regarding the game’s viability led Warner Bros.to shut down Infinite Crisis after only a few months. The competitive landscape of the MOBA genre during that period likely contributed to its rapid decline. If Infinite Crisis had been granted more time to address its technical challenges, implement bots for matchmaking, and enhance gameplay features, it might have paved a viable path for success.

The failure of Infinite Crisis only highlights the impressive accomplishment of Marvel Rivals. Both games aimed to cater to superhero fans in incredibly saturated markets, yet Marvel Rivals excelled by providing an engaging experience tailored for dedicated hero shooter followers.

Will DC Try A New Game Like Marvel Rivals?

Making Direct Competition Might Not Be The Right Move

Though Marvel Rivals has celebrated tremendous success post-launch, it may be prudent for DC to reconsider launching a direct competitor. Releasing another third-person hero shooter would invite the same pitfalls that plagued Infinite Crisis, particularly given the oversaturated market teeming with titles like Apex Legends, Overwatch 2, and Marvel Rivals itself.

Instead of emulating existing formats, DC might benefit from revisiting its roots in single-player action games. With the previously successful Batman: Arkham series as a notable example, DC could thrive by developing unique, narrative-driven experiences akin to Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man franchise.Shifting focus back to engaging single-player titles, rather than complex multiplayer experiences like Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, might resonate more with fans seeking character-driven stories.

Iconic figures like Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman have the potential to anchor their own engaging games, or DC might opt to revive the Batman franchise.Your strategy for any new game should prioritize creating a fun, single-player experience rather than attempting to match or exceed Marvel Rivals. Given the missteps of recent years, DC needs a surefire hit to rejuvenate its fanbase and attract newcomers.

Source: SteamDB

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