A week after unexpectedly resurfacing, Player First Games has revealed that their critically acclaimed Smash Bros-like fighting game WB Multiversus will officially launch on May 28th. Developed by Warner Bros. Games, Multiversus made waves when it hit open beta last July, amassing millions of players across two full seasons before abruptly going offline.
Many feared the worst, suspecting Warner Bros. had added it to the scrapheap alongside their other canceled live-service games. However, the game’s recent social media revival signaled its imminent return.
During the hiatus, the Multiversus team has been hard at work rebuilding the game from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. This engine shift aims to provide a more consistent and accurate gameplay experience across all platforms thanks to new netcode implementation.
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Each character is also receiving an overhaul with new attacks and combat mechanics to freshen up the gameplay. Perhaps most excitingly, a never-before-seen PvE mode promising “unique rewards” is being added to the multiplayer suite.
The developers are keeping their cards close to their chest regarding new roster additions, but director Tony Huynh did tease “some really exciting brand new personalities” joining the crossover brawler’s lineup of iconic characters like Batman, Shaggy, and Arya Stark. Longtime fans are surely hoping for fighters from other major Warner Bros. properties like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter.
Multiversus’ comeback prospects look promising. Despite being an open beta, it racked up nearly 94,000 positive user reviews on Steam – a staggering number for an unfinished game. The announcement tweet also saw over 14,000 likes and 5,000 retweets, indicating a passionate community eager for its return.
This enthusiasm will be music to gamers’ ears as Warner Bros. doubles down on free-to-play games following severe disappointments like Suicide Squad’s live-service model.
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Free-to-play titles have surged in popularity in recent years as gamers prefer the ability to try games at no upfront cost over committing to premium live-service models. By allowing full access without an entry fee, developers can continuously update and add content over time while sustaining revenue through optional microtransactions. This free-to-play, Games-as-a-Service approach perfectly aligns with Multiversus’ ever-expanding crossover roster and long-term aspirations.
With Warner Bros. placing major emphasis on this free-to-play sector, a revitalized Multiversus stands to become a cornerstone of their gaming ecosystem for years to come. Player First Games will reveal more details like launch content and the mysterious PvE mode in the coming weeks. But one thing is clear – this zany fighter meshing beloved universes like DC, Game of Thrones, and Scooby Doo is primed to make a multiversal impact when it debuts its Unreal Engine 5 rebuild on May 28th.
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