For those that recall the launch for Marvel’s Avengers more than two years ago, the game sharply missed becoming a long-lasting, AAA hit from Square Enix. The title would capitalize on the exceeding heights that the films made in the box office for players across the globe. But came its release left a husk of a live-service title that only left many revolted from returning. Aspects such as individual Avenger battle passes and monotonous end-game grinding. 

The game shortly after its release was reported to be a major hit to the publisher. In one discovery, over $63 million was a loss for Square Enix. Not to mention even the firm criticizing Crystal Dynamics being unsuited to take on the task as the helmed studio for the game’s development. It is considered to be the reasoning for Square Enix’s low asking price when selling its western talent to Embracer Group last year.

Recently, Crystal Dynamics announced that Marvel’s Avengers will shutter its services later this year. By the end of March will be the last content update for the game following with official support by this October in the fall.

After two-and-a-half years and introducing twelve of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes, following Update 2.8 on March 31, 2023, we will no longer add new content or features to Marvel’s Avengers. All official support for the game will end on September 30, 2023.

As for the online servers for the game, multiplayer will still be accessible beyond the cutoff date this autumn, the developer presses. “Even after official support ceases on September 30, 2023, both single- and multi-player gameplay will continue to be available. […] Multiplayer will still be accessible after support discontinues on September 30, 2023.  Multiplayer will continue to require Xbox Live Gold on Xbox platforms and PS Plus on PlayStation platforms.”

To reward players still active on Marvel’s Avengers, all cosmetic items will be available to pick up absolutely free following the March cut off date for content. “We will make all the game’s Marketplace, Challenge Card, and Shipment cosmetic content available to all players for free. Every single Outfit, Takedown, Emote, and Nameplate from the Marketplace, Challenge Cards, and Shipments will be free for all players from this date onwards if you own a copy of the game.”

Are you surprised by the fate handed to Marvel’s Avengers?

Marvel’s Avengers ships to Xbox Game Pass on September 30, 2021; out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Stadia.

Source: Crystal Dynamics