If you heard about an upcoming platform fighter with a roster of Warner Bros.’ most iconic and culturally relevant characters, built by creators inspired by Super Smash Bros., and accessible as a free-to-play game, you’d probably expect a runaway success. On paper, MultiVersus had everything going for it. Yet, despite two major launches, it failed to capture lasting player interest.
A Star-Studded Roster
MultiVersus offered players an extraordinary lineup, featuring characters from Game of Thrones, Rick and Morty, The Iron Giant, and even real-life basketball star LeBron James. The novelty of seeing such a varied cast in a Super Smash Bros.-style brawler initially drew gamers in droves. This excitement was reflected in its Steam Charts, with over 153,000 concurrent players at launch in 2022.
However, this initial wave of enthusiasm quickly subsided, with player numbers dwindling to mere double digits over the following months. The game’s grand re-release in April 2024 saw another surge, peaking at 114,000 concurrent players. Yet, as of December 2024, the numbers paint a grim picture, with interest once again plummeting.
The Double-Edged Sword of Free-to-Play
One of MultiVersus‘ strongest selling points—its free-to-play model—may have also been its undoing. While titans like Fortnite and Overwatch have demonstrated the model’s potential for success, countless other games have faltered. For MultiVersus, free-to-play wasn’t enough to sustain long-term engagement.
Industry analysts highlight how the free-to-play approach creates high initial interest but can struggle to maintain players if monetization and gameplay mechanics don’t feel rewarding. This lack of meaningful progression or consistent engagement was a recurring theme in player feedback.
What Went Wrong?
Several key factors contributed to the game’s decline, with a common thread of unfulfilled potential and player frustration tying them together. Whether it was the limited appeal of its mechanics, insufficient content updates, or ineffective matchmaking, MultiVersus couldn’t hold the audience it initially attracted.
Conclusion
MultiVersus started as a promising contender, blending an all-star roster with Super Smash Bros.-style gameplay and a free-to-play model. Yet, it faltered in delivering a satisfying, lasting experience.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Why do you think MultiVersus struggled to live up to its potential?
