Marvel Rivals ' rise shook the Hero Shooters , putting Overwatch 2 against his first direct competitor since the launch. Netease 's new bet does not hide inspiration from the Blizzard , and the rivalry between the two communities promises to be lasting. But there is a point where rivals clearly take advantage: the frequency with which he throws new heroes.
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Since his debut, a little over a month ago, Marvel Rivals has added two characters and has two more on the way. Developers plan to launch a new hero every month and a half, while Overwatch 2 maintains their traditional four heroes rhythm per year. With almost a decade of existence, Blizzard to be able to match this rhythm. However, the developer can still remain competitive by investing in an alternative strategy: Reworks (hero reformulations).
Bet on reformulations can keep overwatch 2 relevant
Since its release, Overwatch has always maintained a considerable interval among new heroes, compensating for the wait with a high level of polishing and balance. But with warm competition, four heroes a year may not be enough to keep the game alive in the competitive scenario.
In addition, some characters from the original cast start showing signs of aging in the current goal. Heroes such as MEI, Reaper and Symmetra have difficulty staying relevant to Power Creep caused by new characters, who are increasingly strong and adapted to the game environment. buffs and nerfs do not always solve the problem, making Reworks a viable alternative to revitalize the cast.
The reformulation of a hero can have an impact as large as the addition of a new one. Reaper , for example, lost much of its usefulness with the removal of the second tank in 5V5 , as its specialty has always been melting barriers and tankers. A new skill set could redefine its role in the game, making it more viable in competitive and providing a renewed experience for players.
Reformulations are faster and cost less than new heroes
Unlike new characters, which require development of scratch - dubbing, dubbing, history, skins and marketing campaigns - a Rework demands less time and resources. The focus is on modifying skills and adjusting balancing, accelerating the production process.
If Blizzard adopts a more frequent approach to reformulations, it can offer players regular news without having to keep up with Marvel Rivals rhythm at the launch of new heroes. This strategy would not only maintain competitive overwatch 2, but it would also guarantee that old characters are not left behind.
There is room for two hero shooters in the market
Marvel Rivals has made an impressive release and already threatens the hegemony of Overwatch 2, which dominated the genre for years. But that does not mean that there is no room for both. If Blizzard is able to find a compromise between new releases and strategic reformulations, it can keep its players base engaged and avoid a drop in relevance.
Marvel Rival's success can be a warning for Blizzard, but also an opportunity. It remains to be seen if the developer will be able to adapt to this new competitive scenario and keep Overwatch 2 as one of the pillars of the genre.
