This weekend marked the end of a brief, unusual era: MultiVersus, a platform fighter featuring various Warner Bros. characters, has shut down. The game initially aimed to rival Super Smash Bros. but was discontinued by Warner Bros. about a year after its full relaunch.
The closure of MultiVersus is not unexpected in an era where many multiplayer games, such as Babylon’s Fall, Crossfire X, Gundam Evolution, and Warner Bros.’ own Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, are being shut down or losing support shortly after launch. Opinions differ on the reasons behind the end of Player First’s platform fighter, with some attributing it to the game’s monetization strategy and others to differences between its year-long open beta and its 1.0 release in 2024.
Some believe the game’s roster was a factor. Warner Bros. owns numerous IPs, and the aim was to assemble a selection of characters appealing to everyone. However, for every major character like Batman or LeBron James, there were others considered less popular, such as those from Gremlins or supporting characters from Adventure Time. Critics argue that the absence of other popular DC figures or Cartoon Network icons like Ben 10 reduced the game’s appeal. While there is some truth to this, the larger issue was that the core concept of MultiVersus was no longer unique.
In earlier days, crossovers between IPs were rare and exciting, such as Jimmy/Timmy Power Hour or Kim Possible teaming with Lilo & Stitch. However, in the 2020s, such crossovers have become more commonplace, with studios like Warner Bros. and Disney seeking to create big, attention-grabbing events.
During MultiVersus’ lifespan, various characters from different franchises crossed into games like Fortnite and Mortal Kombat. The Call of Duty games have also added crossover content with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and other characters. Although some players enjoy these additions, others feel that the increasing number of IPs is excessive, potentially detracting from the gaming experience. As a result, companies like Activision have reportedly adopted a more restrained approach.
Like Suicide Squad, MultiVersus became a casualty of Warner Bros.’ attempt to enter a specific market with the hope of financial gain. Unfortunately, Player First suffered significantly; after the game’s full launch, Warner Bros. acquired the studio, which is now closed along with its game. Despite this, crossovers continue to thrive, as DC is set to collaborate with Marvel for the first time in 20 years, and Netherrealm is expected to incorporate IP characters into its next project, likely Injustice 3. As the demand for crossover content persists, these collaborations will continue until no new worlds are left to merge.
