Summary
During a recent financial call, Warner Bros executives reveal thatMultiVersushas been underperforming for the company, adding to an already major deficit this year. DespiteMultiVersusshutting down earlier in 2023 following a lengthy beta period and an uncertain future, things appeared bright after Warner Bros and Player FIrst Games confirmed the free-to-play brawler would be making a comeback.
TheMay relaunch ofMultiVersuswas met with plenty of excitement from the community after Player First revealed all of the changes the studio made following the beta feedback. The game transitioned to Unreal Engine 5, introduced a new PvE mode called Rifts, and announced surprising character additions with The Joker, Jason Voorhees, and Agent Smith to kick things off in the accompanying season. However, it appears that the excitement was ultimately short-lived.
Despite missing features and modes at launch,MultiVersusquickly became a major hit and even promptedWarner Bros to purchase Player First Gamesa couple months later. However, that momentum seems to have stalled as Warner Bros. Discovery President and CEO David Zaslav and Chief Financial Officer Gunnar Wiedenfels revealed thatMultiVersushas largely underperformed, adding another $100 million to the $200 million deficit already impacting the games division.
Wiedenfels didn’t pin the entire deficit onMultiVersus, though indicated that it was the primary reason alongside other underperforming releases. It’s been a rough year for Warner Bros, one which largely started with the release ofSuicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The long-in development and oft-delayed title from Rocksteady didn’t hit with fans or critics. While Rocksteady continues to push post-launch content,Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice Leaguebecame a massive financial flop, contributing to the bulk of the company’s deficit in 2024.
Even as dire as things may seem for the free-to-play title, Player First Games continues to add new content to the experience. In fact,MultiVersusjust revealed its season 4 content, including new characters Raven and Marceline. The 10-week season will also be getting the new Arena game mode, more maps, the Fighters Road feature, as well as limited time events, Rifts, and plenty more.
MultiVersus
WHERE TO PLAY
CHARACTERS: Choose from Bugs Bunny, Batman, Arya Stark, Rick Sanchez, and many more. In MultiVersus, every star brings their unique moves, worlds and attitudes to fight. And as the roster expands, so does the spectacle — with new personalities and play styles turning up the heat in every battle.MAPS: Our maps turn legendary realms like the Batman’s Bat Cave, Jake and Finn’s Treefort, Game of Thrones’ Throne Room into epic battle grounds. And the best part? We’re adding new maps regularly, so the party never stops!MODES: Whether you’re seeking the intensity of 1v1, the frenzy of a 4-player mayhem, or team up for strategic 2v2 battles, we’ve got you covered. Plus, introducing an all new PvE mode, a thrilling realm of limitless combat possibilities designed for solo or co-op play.CROSS-PLATFORM: MultiVersus has full cross-play and cross-progression support across all platforms.
