In the wake of Marvel Rivals' remarkable success, DC Studios is contemplating the development of its own hero-based shooter featuring iconic characters like Batman and Superman. Marvel Rivals has captivated players worldwide since its launch in December 2024, with over 20 million players by December 17, 2024, and a peak of 644,269 concurrent players on Steam during the commencement of Season 1.
While Marvel enthusiasts are reveling in this new gaming experience, DC fans have been left anticipating a comparable offering. However, recent developments suggest that this may change.
In an interview with ComicBook.com, James Gunn, the co-CEO of DC Studios, expressed openness to the idea of a DC equivalent to Marvel Rivals. When questioned about the potential for such a game, Gunn responded,
"Totally possible, I’d be open to it."
A Rich History of DC Heroes in Gaming
DC's rich history encompasses a plethora of beloved characters such as Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and Green Lantern, all of whom have been integral to comic book lore for decades. These heroes have also made their mark in various video games over the years. Notably, the Batman: Arkham series has been a significant success, with titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow releasing on October 21, 2024, exclusively for the Meta Quest 3.
Marvel Rivals when DC Allies walks into the room https://t.co/LEqIA7RFfM pic.twitter.com/4dQ4IqVoUm
— (@DatChaosGuy) February 25, 2025
The potential for a DC hero shooter is not without precedent. In 2015, DC released Infinite Crisis, a multiplayer online battle arena game that featured a range of characters from different universes within the DC multiverse. Despite its innovative approach, the game struggled to maintain a player base and was discontinued shortly after its launch.
Could a DC Hero Shooter Compete with Marvel Rivals?
The success of Marvel Rivals has reignited discussions about DC entering the hero shooter genre. Some industry analysts suggest that DC could capitalize on the current market enthusiasm by developing a game that not only showcases its iconic characters but also introduces unique gameplay mechanics to distinguish itself from existing titles. This approach could prevent the game from being perceived as a mere imitation and instead position it as a fresh and engaging experience for players.
However, it's important to note that the development of such a game would require significant time and resources. Without an official announcement or project initiation, a DC hero shooter would likely take several years to come to fruition.
A DC attempt at rivals would be super cool but if they want to capitalize on Rivals' success I think the best way to go about it would be to collaborate and add Amalgam Comics skins for the characters in Rivals, especially with the new Marvel and DC collab coming later this year https://t.co/utGY0bA7mR pic.twitter.com/pIk5AgwGJW
— Dalton (@SuperDaltron) February 25, 2025
While the prospect of a DC hero shooter akin to Marvel Rivals is enticing and has the support of key figures like James Gunn, the realization of such a project remains uncertain. The gaming community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on any developments in this area, hopeful for an opportunity to engage with their favorite DC heroes in a dynamic, multiplayer setting.