According to the developers, Marvel Rivals’ first full year on the market was only the beginning, with far bolder plans lined up for 2026.

Marvel Rivals launched at the end of 2024 and entered 2025 as one of the year’s most successful new titles. The game shattered records early on, reaching over 644,000 concurrent players and generating $135 million in gross revenue. While it did not sustain a half-million player peak on Steam, its player count consistently hovered around or above 100,000 and repeatedly secured a spot in Newzoo’s monthly top ten list based on active users.

However, producer Danny Koo believes this was merely a warm-up. Speaking to Den of Geek, Koo explained that 2025 served more as a preparation phase, and the team has no intention of slowing down. Development plans already extend more than a year ahead, and the studio is eager for players to see what comes next.

In the same interview, NetEase’s publishing and marketing director Yachen Bian revealed that the team aims to significantly expand the range of game modes in 2026. Prototypes such as PvE content and 18v18 modes are already being explored. The idea is to offer experiences beyond the core gameplay, as fighting zombies delivers a very different feel compared to battling other players.

With Marvel Rivals already established as one of the most successful free-to-play shooters of 2025, it appears firmly planted in a highly competitive genre. Koo noted that maintaining this level of success requires constant effort, but the team remains energized, delivering new content on a weekly basis. Their ambition is clear: to turn Marvel Rivals into the biggest game possible.

Source: WCCFTech, Den of Geek