MultiVersus is set to conclude its journey at the end of May, launching its fifth and last season in an attempt to reinvigorate its player community. This final update introduces new characters and key gameplay adjustments, reflecting Player First Games’ efforts to address player feedback and enhance the gaming experience. The impending shutdown marks the end of a platform fighter that has struggled to maintain a substantial player base since its 2022 release.
Over the past year, MultiVersus has implemented several updates aimed at balancing characters and improving performance. However, despite these efforts, the game has not significantly expanded its player base, leading to the decision to wind down operations. Comparative analysis with previous updates shows a consistent attempt to refine gameplay mechanics, though challenges in player retention persist.
What Updates Are Included in the Final Season?
The final season’s patch adds Aquaman and Lola Bunny to the roster and includes various balance changes to existing characters. These updates focus on enhancing movement speed and gameplay fluidity, addressing earlier criticisms regarding the game’s pace.
“It’s finally looking fast, polished and fun,”
a player expressed their approval of the latest improvements.
How Has the Community Responded to the Shutdown?
In response to the announced shutdown, the player community has rallied under the hashtag #SaveMultiversus, demonstrating their support and hope for the game’s continuation. A Reddit post related to the campaign amassed approximately 20,000 comments, highlighting the dedication of the game’s fan base.
What Are the Implications for Player First Games?
Despite the final season’s updates, MultiVersus continues to see low player engagement, with SteamDB reporting around 2,000 PC players, significantly lower than competitors like Brawlhalla. This ongoing low engagement underscores the difficulties faced by Player First Games in sustaining the game’s popularity, ultimately leading to the decision to cease operations.
Player First Games has invested considerable resources into developing MultiVersus, including funding competitive play and live services. However, the return on these investments has been limited, as evidenced by the persistent decline in active players and the eventual shutdown announcement.
MultiVersus is set to shut down on May 30 at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm GMT.
The closure of MultiVersus serves as a case study in the challenges of maintaining a live service game in a competitive market, emphasizing the importance of sustained player engagement and effective community management.
