Embracer Group’s acquisition of Crystal Dynamics may have brought exciting news for fans of theTomb Raiderfranchise, but when it comes to theMarvel’s Avengerscommunity, many are uncertain of what reaction to have. On one hand, Embracer could be more on board with the attempts to revive the game, giving Crystal Dynamics more resources to make new content. On the other hand,Crystal Dynamics' new ownercould see the game as a failure unworthy of time and effort, leaving it to die off.
The last fans heard about the potential future ofMarvel’s Avengersis that it was going to be up to Disney whether the game continues. This is because the licenses would need to be renewed, with Disney giving Embracer and Crystal Dynamics permission to continue working on Marvel games without Square Enix. Unfortunately, it has been weeks since this information was shared, with no info provided on Disney’s decision. An announcement needs to happen soon, as the few gamers that have stuck by the struggling title are starting to lose whatever patience they had left.
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The Marvel’s Avengers Community is More in The Dark Than Ever Before
This disappointing news comes after roadmap promises that, frustratingly, were never fulfilled. At the end of 2021, Crystal Dynamics promised fans thata newMarvel’s Avengersroadmapwould be coming at the start of the year. Now, six months into 2022, fans are still waiting on this seemingly nonexistent roadmap to be revealed.
While there is plenty that could be featured on this roadmap, from the promisingPatrol Modeto leaked hero additions like Winter Soldier, fans are still waiting. As for why the roadmap has not happened, it likely has to do with the fact that the game’s future is as unclear to Crystal Dynamics as it is to players. After all, revealing a roadmap and promising major content while an acquisition is in the works would be a bad look, as there is no guarantee that the promises could actually be met. Until Disney gives Embracer the go ahead, and Embracer approves more content, holding off on a roadmap makes sense.
Still, though there is an understandable reason behind the lack of a roadmap or meaningful content updates, fans have every right to be upset. After all, they have been waiting weeks for an update following the Embracer acquisition, yet no news has come. Further,Marvel’s Avengerscontinues to get new skins, which is not the best look for a game that is going through a massive content drought. To some fans, it feels as if the developers and publishers are cleaning house, releasing every skin that had been worked on in order to make a bit more money before the game’s support ceases. With so little info on the future, it is hard to argue against these fears.
Why Embracer’s Acquisition Could Be The End For Marvel’s Avengers
Even those that have not playedMarvel’s Avengersare aware of just how much the game has struggled, as there was once plenty of hype surrounding the game. Coming hot off the heels ofthe MCU’s best films, it would make sense for a game based on the most successful film franchise of all time to be a hit. Unfortunately, that was not the case, as the Crystal Dynamics title was plagued by numerous bugs, overpriced cosmetics, and a lack of content.
While the game has improved in many areas, and theMarvel’s Avengerscampaignremains solid, its content problem has not gone away. In fact, it has only become worse with time. Players have had nothing to do between Operations, the story-focused updates that bring new heroes and missions to play. With several months passing between every Operation, the game has an incredibly low concurrent player count, spiking briefly for Operations then plummeting once fans play the new content.
The lack of bosses, enemies, and frequent events has madeMarvel’s Avengersa failure in the eyes of many. Further,Marvel’s Avengershurt Square Enix financially, so the game was far from a commercial success. While MCU skin sales have surely helped rectify this issue, it would not be shocking for Embracer Group to cut ties with the game. Jane Foster’s Thor could be the last content the game receives, with it fully fading from relevancy after she is added.
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The Small Chance That Embracer’s Acquisition Saves The Game
Despite many being pessimistic about the game’s future, there is a small portion of theMarvel’s Avengersfan basethat is hopeful the Embracer acquisition will help the game bounce back. While it does seem less likely than the alternative, there is a slight chance that support for the game is heightened if Embracer gets approval from Disney. If this happens, plenty of leaked content forMarvel’s Avengerscould become a reality.
Heroes like She-Hulk, Winter Soldier, and Captain Marvel could all come toMarvel’s Avengers, and if that content performs well, teased villains like Loki and Ultron could also make an appearance. Theleaked co-op version of the MODOK boss battlecould become a reality, while major expansions on par with War for Wakanda could provide more regions to visit. Most importantly, factions outside of AIM could appear, with groups like Hydra opposing Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
While it is true thatMarvel’s Avengerslost Square Enix money, the work has already been done and the game has already been developed. In theory, Embracer could be inheriting a free source of revenue, with cosmetic sales continuing as long as the servers are kept up. New playable content would ensure that more outfits continue to be bought, though, so hopefully there is more coming to the game beyondJane Foster. Regardless of whether the next bit of news aboutMarvel’s Avengersis good or bad, it is about time fans were given an update.
Marvel’s Avengersis available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Stadia, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
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