MultiVersus: Why This Beloved Game Deserves a Second Chance!

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It’s clear that Warner Bros. Games has faced challenges this year, with their game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League falling short among audiences. Following its lackluster performance, MultiVersus, the platform fighter from Warner Bros., announced it would shut down its servers on May 30, marking only a year since the game’s full release. From that date forward, the game will no longer be accessible for download and can only be played offline.

The game faced numerous challenges right from its beta phase, with content updates becoming less frequent over time, leading to a steep decline in player numbers. Even after emerging from beta with significant improvements, the game continued losing players month after month until the recent announcement of its shutdown. However, against all odds, MultiVersus has built up a dedicated fanbase who believe that this unique concept is worth preserving. This devoted fanbase has been vocal on social media, urging Warner Bros. and the community to recognize the game’s potential and keep it alive.

MultiVersus Fans are Right: The Game Deserves a Second Chance

Despite Fan Outcry, Nothing is Saving the Current Iteration of MultiVersus

Following the announcement of its shutdown, enthusiasts of the platform fighter ignited social media with pleas to keep the game operational beyond May 30th. The hashtag #SaveMultiVersus quickly gained traction and remained a trending topic on and off since the news of the closure became public knowledge. Regrettably, these efforts seem unlikely to bear fruit. Warner Bros. Games incurred losses exceeding $100 million from live service projects such as MultiVersus and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The game has failed to generate the revenue WB had anticipated, and despite the fervent demands of fans, this financial reality is unlikely to change.

Despite the game’s eventual sunsetting, fans’ enthusiasm remains undiminished. With the Season 5 update, MultiVersus has truly blossomed into the game it was intended to be at launch. The pace of matches has been significantly accelerated, numerous methods have been introduced for free character unlocks, and strategic defensive options beyond dodging have been added. Popular characters like Raven, Powerpuff Girls, and Samurai Jack have also joined the roster following fan petitions. Even as the servers for MultiVersus prepare to shut down, it’s clear that there’s a strong desire among fans for more of this game.

The Concept of MultiVersus is Too Good to Let Die

In theory, MultiVersus appears to be an enormous triumph. Bringing together cherished figures from universes such as DC Comics, Looney Tunes, Adventure Time, The Matrix, Gremlins, and Friday the 13th in a game reminiscent of Super Smash Bros. seems like a stroke of genius. Except for instances like Fortnite where characters are merely cosmetic skins, MultiVersus might have been one of the most daring crossover games ever created within the gaming sphere. Given Warner Bros.’ wealth of untapped intellectual properties, the roster possibilities seem almost limitless and yet to reach their full potential.

From the high initial player count of MultiVersus, it’s clear that the concept really struck a chord. It’s like striking gold. However, the execution left room for improvement, particularly in keeping players engaged and spending money at a steady pace. This challenge could be overcome with a time-tested feature of fighting game series: a sequel.

MultiVersus 2 Can and Should Happen

Although the prospects of rescuing the current version of MultiVersus appear to be sunk, there’s a possibility for the franchise to be reborn through a sequel. The studio responsible for reviving this crossover IP (be it Player First Games or another studio) could benefit from studying the mistakes made in the original game. They could then create a sequel, reinstate and expand the current roster of characters, introduce new stages, and set a price point slightly above AA for the game itself, while offering cosmetic microtransactions. MultiVersus erred in its monetization and character unlock strategies, but a sequel built upon a solid foundation could rectify those flaws.

At this point, it’s uncertain what the future holds for the MultiVersus IP. There’s a chance it may cease operation in May and end up being cherished by a dedicated community, with occasional LAN tournaments taking place from time to time. Alternatively, it might become a mere footnote in Fighting Game Community (FGC) history, recognized as another Smash-like game that failed to meet its initial expectations.

As an enthusiastic supporter, I can’t help but express my optimism about MultiVersus. The lineup may have stayed consistent, the gameplay (with some necessary refinements) has remained engaging, and most crucially, the fanbase is still thriving. There’s a wealth of untold stories left in this universe, waiting to be explored. With another opportunity, fueled by innovative thoughts, unwavering passion, and lessons gleaned from our experiences, I believe MultiVersus can truly blossom into its complete potential.

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2025-02-16 16:44