GamesFightingMultiversusWarner Bros acquires MultiVersus devs as it shifts focus to free-to-playWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesFightingMultiversusWarner Bros acquires MultiVersus devs as it shifts focus to free-to-playWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Warner Bros Interactive)
The development and release of MultiVersus, the free-to-play Smash Bros if Smash Bros. was Warner Bros, has been a real rollercoaster. MultiVersus released in July 2022 in open beta, eventually attracting millions of players with platform fighter brawls and the raw magnificence of Ultra Instinct Shaggy. But in March 2023, after MultiVersus had been playable for almost a year, Player First Games announced that—unbeknownst to most players—it had actually been ina prolonged public testand closed the servers.
MultiVersus disappeared for nine months, forcing fans to speculate about its continued existence based solely off ofBelgian McDonald’s cross-promotions. After a long silence, Player First finally confirmed its return in March, and the game relaunched in May 2024 with new netcode, characters, and PvE missions, earning ourstamp of approval. It’s far from the most popular game on Steam, but holds onto a healthy average of over 4,000 concurrent players on the platform. It’s also seen a bit of controversy: players were displeased to find the game offering them an option to purchase more lives with real cash, an option that Player First saidwas a bug.
Back in March, Warner Bros executive JB Perrette said the company wouldshift its focus to the “free-to-play space"following disappointing sales from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. Acquiring Player First slots neatly into those plans. According to IGN, Player First co-founders Tony Huynh and Chris White will continue leading studio development. “Our team is excited to join the Warner Bros Games family, and we feel that this will be great for MultiVersus overall,” Huynh said.
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‘If you’re a billion dollar company advertising your game, ask permission!': Charlie the Unicorn creator chews out Warner Bros after MultiVersus ad uses his work without approval
‘If you’re a billion dollar company advertising your game, ask permission!': Charlie the Unicorn creator chews out Warner Bros after MultiVersus ad uses his work without approval
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