NetEase GamesMarvel Rivals remains a huge success story, but it’s missing out on a major crossover opportunity that could bring even more players through the door.
With some of the most iconic characters in popular culture on its roster, it’s no surprise that Marvel Rivals has been an instant hit. It’s Overwatch-inspired matches appeal to the more competitive players, while being able to control the likes of Spider-Man, Hulk, and Doctor Strange entices the casual crowd.
Since the MCU remains one of the biggest franchises around, NetEase have also been able to use the movies and TV shows to their advantage in the form of skins and other tie-ins.
But with Daredevil: Born Again now out on Disney Plus, it’s hard not to feel like they might have missed an easy opportunity to win over more fans.
Skipping Daredevil: Born Again crossover is a missed opportunity
Daredevil: Born Again has been hotly anticipated by fans, as it marks the character’s long-awaited return in his own show for the first time since 2018. With Charlie Cox reprising his role and early reviews promising brutal action that stays true to the original Netflix series, it’s quickly become one of the most hyped shows of 2025 and a must-watch for Marvel die-hards.
But despite all of this buzz, Marvel Rivals hasn’t acknowledged the show’s release with any in-game content or crossovers. The same was true for Captain America: Brave New World outside of a small promotion that offered free cosmetics, although these weren’t inspired by the movie in any way.
MarvelIt’s no secret that when fans latch onto something in the way they are with the new Daredevil show, they want more ways to channel that enthusiasm. For example, when the first Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer dropped, the first thing I did that evening was hop into Marvel Rivals and play as Mister Fantastic.
Many players will be having the same feeling after watching the first two episodes of Born Again, but there’s nothing to satisfy that demand. A well-timed event with Matt Murdock themed items, a Punisher skin inspired by Jon Bernthal’s suit, or even a new map set in Hell’s Kitchen would give those looking for a bit more Daredevil in their lives a reason to play.
Of course, it’s easy to sit here and ask “why didn’t they do this?” like it only takes a phone call to Disney’s head office, when in reality there’s plenty of moving parts that need to line up to pull off a crossover like this. Plus, it’s clear that NetEase want their hero shooter to forge its own identity away from the MCU.
However, going forward it’d be exciting to see Marvel Rivals capitalize on the latest movie or series with more themed skins, modes, or even new character releases, in the same way that Marvel Snap’s seasons often focus on the next big release.
With Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars coming in the next couple of years, there are plenty of opportunities for ambitious collaborations that would only help the game in the long-term.
