Key Points:
- MultiVersus will be fully released on May 28 on various platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store.
- The game features a two-vs.-two formats with characters drawn from Warner Bros. properties, offering a unique twist to the platform fighting genre.
- The initial success was during the open beta, which had 20 million players, but it faced challenges with a declining player count and limited updates.
- Player First Games addressed issues by rebuilding the game in Unreal Engine 5, introducing a new rollback netcode for improved online play.
Warner Bros’ fighting game, MultiVersus, is gearing up for its full release on May 28. The fight will be available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. Following the success of its open beta debut in July 2022, which attracted 20 million players in the first month, MultiVersus aims to establish itself in the competitive world of fighting games.
MultiVersus features a two-vs.-two format in which players aim to weaken opponents. What sets MultiVersus apart is its diverse roster drawn from Warner Bros properties, spanning DC Comics, movies (including characters like LeBron James from Space Jam: A New Legacy), and HBO series.
Despite its initial success, the game faced challenges as the player count dwindled, especially on PC, amid complaints of limited updates and character additions. To address these issues, developer Player First Games took the servers offline in June, promising substantial improvements ahead of the full release.
Game director Tony Hyunh shared some updates for MultiVersus alongside the release date announcement. The rebuilt game, now powered by Unreal Engine 5, boasts enhanced character lighting and visuals. A new rollback netcode has been implemented to minimize lag and ensure consistent performance during online play.
Players can anticipate the arrival of new characters, although specific details have not been disclosed. Additionally, the game will introduce more stages and fresh attacks for each character, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
In response to player feedback, MultiVersus will feature a player versus environment mode, allowing gamers to enjoy the game without facing off against other players. This addition caters to a broader audience and provides an alternative for those seeking a solo or cooperative experience.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s recent announcement regarding a shift towards live-service, mobile, and free-to-play games aligns with MultiVersus’ model. Despite the industry’s evolving landscape, MultiVersus aims to carve its niche, building on lessons learned during the beta phase and delivering a fighting experience for fans.
