Summary
Marvel Rivals' numerous early-access epochs have been going over decently well, but there are some reasons for concern popping up already. The monetization currently available forMarvel Rivals' is all too reminiscent of another recent blunder in the industry.
Battle passes are under more and more scrutiny. Just recently, the proposedchanges toApex Legends' battle pass(which would remove the playerbase’s ability to buy the pass with in-game currency) saw incredible backlash, so much so that Respawn reversed the worst of these changes. Nonetheless, few games have been offering enough value for players to consider battle passes a worthwhile investment. Moreover, more games that aren’t really competitive multiplayer titles (such asKill the Justice League) are getting battle passes, something that many players see as an attempt to fit a square peg in a round hole.
Marvel Rivals May Be Following In MultiVersus' Footsteps With Shoddy Monetization
Marvel Rivalsis currently in its closed beta, and it’s a big hit. However, while the game is drawing big crowds fast, acclaim has not come so readily towards its battle pass model. The major issue around this battle pass is the way in which it can be progressed; rather than XP being granted through success in gameplay, players must complete challenges to get further in the pass. Not only are there many problems with this approach, but it’s been proven as a dud byMultiVersus—a game that’s been made all the more controversial through this system.
Challenge-Only Progression Makes Players Play Less
Most games that use a battle pass model incorporate challenges that allow players to speed up progress, but only some do so to the extent that only challenges reward level-ups. The issue with having this single avenue of battle pass progression is that it contradicts the philosophy behind battle passes; battle passes encourage players to keep playing by offering continuing rewards, but forcing players into challenges discourages them from going further. The increasing use of this model ingames likeMarvel Rivalscould spell doom for the battle pass model.
This is exemplified by the biggest complaint fans have levied against the challenge-only model, particularly when it comes to thebattle pass inMultiVersusandMarvel Rivals: players keep running out of challenges. If players burn through weekly and daily challenges fast, then they’re barred from further progression for an entire day. This is an anathema to the battle pass model, which gets by on the satisfaction found in the sudden rewards that come through just casual and competitive play.
Moreover, challenges have the unfortunate side effect of making players do things they may not want to do. Battle pass challenges often necessitate playing a certain number of matches or getting a certain number of kills with a specific character or weapon. This is fine as an optional way to hasten progression, giving players an excuse to leave their comfort zone, but it will easily tire players out if mandatory. The combined weight of these criticismshadMultiVersuschange course in its initial phase, but the game changed back to challenge-only progression after launch.
Marvel Rivals Shouldn’t Die On This Hill
In a year when live-service games are more oversaturated than ever, with titleslikeConcord,Fragpunk, and morecoming for the throne,Marvel Rivalsneeds to get its act together with monetization. While the game should move to the more player-friendly (and more effective, given which battle pass-based games have succeeded the most) model, developers need to provide lots of challenges if they wish to stick with the challenge-only method.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
