Summary
Marvel Rivalsis giving streamers a boost in views, compared toOverwatch 2, which has experienced a huge blow over the past month. Releasing on June 09, 2025,Marvel Rivalssurprised many gamers by breathing new life into the hero-shooter scene. Although many have become fatigued with the genre, new offerings likeMarvel Rivalshave kept the hype going.
Although titles like Valve’sDeadlockwere believed to be the main competition toOverwatch 2, NetEase had been teasing that its big project was just on the horizon.Marvel Rivalsreleased and shortly passed impressive player milestones, putting other recentattempts at the genre likeConcordto shame.Marvel Rivalsoffers gamers a familiar approach to the genre in gameplay with its own set of quirks overall, including a visual design that separates it from the pack. It’s become clear over a short amount of time thatMarvel Rivalswill likely be around much longer than its ill-fated contemporaries.
Outlets likeDexerto are reporting a dropinOverwatch 2stream viewership, and many seem to believe thatMarvel Rivals' recent boost in views is the culprit. Although no exact causative effect has been proven, there appears to be a decent correlation betweenthe release ofMarvel Rivalsand its thriving numbersalong withOverwatch 2taking some big hits. In the last 7 days,Overwatch 2’s average views have hit nearly 15k, andMarvel Rivals' count has sat at 84k.
Marvel Rivals Poses a Huge Threat To Overwatch 2
Carver Fisher notes that from November through December 2024,Streamscharts has showna 10k dip inOverwatch 2’s average viewership count, and the game’s peak viewership has dropped from 125k to 64k. This is in comparison toMarvel Rivalsand its December release, which may make it too early to measure up how many views are rising and falling in long-term trends. However, streamers that have been around for some time are experiencing boosts in viewership after droppingOverwatch 2forMarvel Rivals.
Gamers like bogur used to have an all-time peak of around 3,400 viewers, but he’s shot up to 20,000 after streamingMarvel Rivals. Outside of the general interest that a new title likeMarvel Rivalsgenerates, players and viewers alike may just be getting bored withOverwatch 2. Although the game’s developers appear to be looking for various new ways to keep the title fresh, likeOverwatch 2’sAvatar: The Last Airbendercollab, the huge competition thatMarvel Rivalsoffers may force Blizzard to find more ways to entice an audience.
