Summary
Former Blizzard President Mike Ybarra recently had some choice words for the upcomingMarvel Rivalsahead of its full launch later this week. NetEase Games’ multiplayer superhero shooter has drawn comparisons to fellow hero-shooterOverwatch. What setsMarvel Rivalsapart is, naturally, the fact that its roster is built from a list of established characters from the Marvel comics, be they household names like Wolverine or lesser-known figures like Luna Snow.
OneMarvelcharacter that has drawn the most comparisons to those of other hero shooters is Black Window, whose gun-based combat and penchant for long-distance sniper kills havecalled to mind Widowmaker fromOverwatch. Of course, there are a few key differences between the two characters when it comes to particular attacks, but the similarities are apparently striking enough that even a former member ofOverwatchpublisher Blizzard is taking notice.
On the eve ofMarvel Rivals’ December 6 release date, former Blizzard President Mike Ybarra took to Twitter to claim that NetEase is copyingOverwatch 2through its use of Black Widow as a playable character. He was quick to note that Black Widow’s name is similar to Widowmaker’s, and even went as far as tocompareMarvel RivalstoLight of Motiram, an upcoming title that has been accused of trying to replicate Guerrilla Games’Horizonseries.
Former Blizzard President Mike Ybarra Accuses Marvel Rivals of Ripping Off Overwatch
Of course, the character of Black Widow predatesOverwatch’s Widowmaker by over 50 years, a fact that Twitter’s Community Notes was quick to point out shortly after Mike Ybarra’s post. Even theMCU version of Black Widowcame before Widowmaker, asIron Man 2(Natasha Romanoff’s cinematic debut) was released in 2010, a good six years before the originalOverwatchlaunched in 2016.
Assuming that Mike Ybarra was comparing Black Widow’sMarvel Rivalsgameplay toOverwatch’s Widowmaker, there are plenty of notable differences between the two characters’ move sets. For example, Widowmaker’s Infra-Sight Ultimate ability allows her and her teammates to temporarily see opponents through walls, while Black Window’s Electro-Plasma Explosion can slow down enemies with a damaging minefield. Still, Ybarra isn’t the first Blizzard alumni to comment onMarvel Rivals’ similarity toOverwatch 2, as lead hero designer Alec Dawson and game director Aaron Keller noted that their development team could learn how to make their own game better by studying “Overwatchclones” likeMarvel Rivals.
Marvel Rivals
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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!
