Summary
After a steep drop-off in popularity last year,MultiVersusis set to make its return in 2024. With time to polish up the title, developer Player First Games has the chance to bringMultiVersusback with a bang.
MultiVersuswas released in open beta back in July 2022. Though it initially received a huge swell of hype and coverage from many content creators, its popularity took a nosedive in 2023. Steam data for the title showed that, by theclosure ofMultiVersus’open beta in June 2023, the game had lost 99% of its playerbase on the platform. However, the title will now be relaunching May 28th 2024 with a variety of new features in the mix.
Every New Feature Confirmed For Multiversus' Return
New Stages, Characters, and Character Changes
MultiVersusgame director Tony Hyuhspoke in the ‘Road to Launch’ developer update video on theMultiVersusYouTube channel about the game’s upcoming changes. Included within the video was not only the announcement that new stages would be coming, but also some concept art for them. The two shown both originate from some of Cartoon Network’s 90s programming, with Townsville Hall fromThe Powerpuff Girlsand the eponymous laboratory seen inDexter’s Laboratory.
In addition, it was announced that new characters will be coming when the game re-launches, though none have been confirmed yet. With the title encompassing franchises from all over the Warner Bros. canon, fans have no shortage ofcharacters they’d love to see inMultiVersus’return. Moreover, Hyuh also confirmed that characters would be receiving new attacks and moves. It’d be a good move for the game’s longevity if this comment points toward reworks for characters; part ofMultiVersus' decline can be blamed on movesets being too complicated, especially with newer roster entries. It would be great to see some simplification, but there’s also the chance this comment refers to more options to switch elements in and out of a moveset.
Visual And Matchmaking Upgrades
In the same video, Hyuh states that the development team forMultiVersushas switched to using Unreal Engine 5. A comparison between beta and pre-launch renderings of Wonder Woman are used to demonstrate this point, showing off better lighting and more detailing. The upgrade is certainly an improvement, even if the game already looked pretty solid. The extra detailing evident with the upgrade may help respond to the criticism that the title’s style is too generic—makingMultiVersestand out morewhen it returns to the fray.
Anotherimportant step forMultiVersus' longevityis the complete restructuring of the game to support new netcode. Hyuh explains that the team will deliver ‘consistent game performance’ over all platforms, as well as promising that said performance will be ‘world-class’. It’s a great move for an online title, one that will do wonders to improve player retention so long as it can be achieved. The game really needs this level of smoothness for its multiplayer if it wants to win back the fans it lost and compete in the oversaturated live-service market (whichMultiVersusdoes not look to be deviating from).
PvE Mode
Near the end of the update video, Hyuh announces that a PvE mode will be coming to the game. Little is known about how it will take shape, but Hyuh says it will offer ‘additional ways of playing with unique rewards’. This is huge news for the game, as a lack of singleplayer content is a big reasonMultiVersus' open beta died out. Without anything to bring in gamers that prefer solo play or provide a constant to contrast against the in-flux state of multiplayer communities,MultiVersusfloundered against established live-service titans. Hopefully, this PvE mode will finally provide some sustainability.
MultiVersus
WHERE TO PLAY
CHARACTERS: Choose from Bugs Bunny, Batman, Arya Stark, Rick Sanchez, and many more. In MultiVersus, every star brings their unique moves, worlds and attitudes to fight. And as the roster expands, so does the spectacle — with new personalities and play styles turning up the heat in every battle.MAPS: Our maps turn legendary realms like the Batman’s Bat Cave, Jake and Finn’s Treefort, Game of Thrones’ Throne Room into epic battle grounds. And the best part? We’re adding new maps regularly, so the party never stops!MODES: Whether you’re seeking the intensity of 1v1, the frenzy of a 4-player mayhem, or team up for strategic 2v2 battles, we’ve got you covered. Plus, introducing an all new PvE mode, a thrilling realm of limitless combat possibilities designed for solo or co-op play.CROSS-PLATFORM: MultiVersus has full cross-play and cross-progression support across all platforms.
