Overwatch Clones: Why Did Star Wars – Hunters Fail Where Marvel Rivals Succeeded?

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For some time now, games similar to Overwatch have been in existence, but only a handful of them have successfully deviated from the norm with offerings such as Valorant and Marvel Rivals.

The game, referred to as MR, was incredibly successful due to the combination of its gameplay and well-known intellectual properties. However, it’s worth noting that even with such a formula, a game may still not achieve success; take Star Wars: Hunters as an example.

What is Star Wars: Hunters?

Star Wars: Hunters was essentially a mobile version of Overwatch, featuring an array of original characters based on various factions from the galaxy far, far away. Unlike traditional characters such as Luke Skywalker or Darth Vader, the game introduced a diverse cast, including a Jedi-equipped droid and a Mandalorian fighter among others.

Initially scheduled for release in 2021, the game faced a delay of three years before its launch in 2024. However, barely a year had passed when the game declared it would cease operation in October, following the announcement that work on a PC version was ongoing by the developers.

So why was Hunters a flop when it had the same formula as Marvel Rivals?

It’s in the Execution

There are several factors contributing to Hunters’ significant setback, with some arguing that its limited availability on mobile devices and Nintendo Switch, as well as the prolonged delay in its release, might have played a role.

Due to being a mobile game, the gameplay wasn’t able to grow as much in depth compared to other hero shooters. Despite hopes that the PC version might boost its popularity, the release was called off before it had a chance to regain momentum on different platforms.

Some believe that the exclusivity rights EA held over Star Wars during the game’s development may have played a role in its creation as well.

In contrast to Marvel Rivals, which was simultaneously unveiled and launched the same year, the developers for this game had already been preparing a substantial amount of upcoming content for several years prior to its live release. The game was accessible across all significant gaming platforms, allowing players to dive into the virtual world right away.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the developers of Rivals drew inspiration from Overwatch and ensured that each character exudes an attractive charm.

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It’s noteworthy that Rivals followed in Overwatch’s footsteps by designing every character to be visually appealing.

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Another point to consider is that the creators of Rivals learned from Overwatch and gave each character a certain allure.

Could a Star Wars Hero Shooter Work?

Now that Electronic Arts no longer holds exclusive rights to Star Wars, it’s possible that another game developer could step forward at some point and attempt to create a hero shooter within the Star Wars universe.

In essence, enthusiasts may find their closest equivalent to a hero shooter in the game Star Wars Battlefront II. This game offers a Hero vs. Villains mode where players can team up with beloved characters, each possessing unique skills. However, it falls short compared to dedicated hero shooters, and the overall appearance of the game remains quite impressive.

Regarding “Star Wars: Hunters”, you can continue playing until October. After that, similar to games such as MultiVersus and Concord, it will no longer be available. So, if you’re interested, make sure to check it out while it’s still playable on mobile devices and Nintendo Switch.

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2025-03-19 14:16