Overwatch 2's Steam player count plummets following Marvel Rivals' successful launch. The impact of Marvel Rivals on Overwatch 2's player base is analyzed below.
A Direct Comparison
The release of Marvel Rivals on December 5th coincided with a significant drop in Overwatch 2's Steam player count. Overwatch 2 reached its lowest ever concurrent player count on Steam, dipping below 17,000 players, while Marvel Rivals boasted over 180,000 concurrent players shortly after launch. This disparity is even more pronounced when considering all-time peak player counts; Marvel Rivals far surpasses Overwatch 2. Both games share a similar free-to-play, team-based PVP shooter formula, leading to direct comparisons and competition. Negative Steam reviews for Overwatch 2, stemming from both Marvel Rivals fans and dissatisfied Overwatch 2 players, contributed to its "Mixed" overall rating, contrasting with Marvel Rivals' "Mostly Positive" reception.
Steam Represents a Small Portion of the Total Player Base
It's crucial to remember that the Steam player count only represents a fraction of Overwatch 2's total player base. Available on multiple platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and Battle.net, the game's player numbers are significantly higher across all platforms. Many players prefer the Battle.net version, especially given the later Steam port in 2023. Cross-platform play also necessitates a Battle.net account.
Overwatch 2's Ongoing Content Updates
Despite the Steam player count decline, Overwatch 2 recently launched Season 14, featuring new content such as the Scottish tank hero, Hazard, a new limited-time mode, and the start of the 2024 Winter Wonderland event.
Both Overwatch 2 and Marvel Rivals are available for free on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Overwatch 2 is also playable on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
