In a move that would make Thanos proud, Marvel’s Avengers is getting shut down and will eventually be delisted.
Unlike Babylon’s Fall, another soon-to-be-shuttered Square Enix title, those who’ve already purchased the Marvel’s Avengers, digitally or physically, will still be able to play it. But it’ll be delisted from digital storefronts and no new content will be coming to the game.
The news was announced by Crystal Dynamics, who developed the Square Enix-published title. Crystal Dynamics have, since creating the game, been purchased by Embracer Group who’ve also snapped up several other Square studios and properties. The good news is that now the developer can concentrate on the next Tomb Raider game. The statement read:
“We know this is disappointing news as everyone in our community has such a connection to these characters and their stories. We’re so, so grateful that you came on this adventure with us. Your excitement for Marvel’s Avengers … has played a large part in bringing this game to life.”
There’s a final balance update in March but that’ll be it and, on September 30, 2023, the game (which launched in August 2020) will be delisted. That in turn, raises a couple of important questions.
Can I still play Marvel’s Avengers after September?
After all, when Babylon’s Fall shuts down, that’s it – your disc and digital copy will both be useless. However, you will still be able to play Marvel’s Avengers. Why? Because while Square Enix clearly wanted this to be a live service game, there was offline play. Plus, the multiplayer servers will remain up after September.
So you’ll be able to play the game in both offline single player and online multiplayer. That’s not to say the multiplayer won’t shut down some time in the future you should always be able to play it offline.
Can I still unlock cosmetics in Marvel’s Avengers?
Right now, you can but as of September, you won’t – but there’ll be no need to. Crystal Dynamics have stated that at the end of March, they “..will make all the game’s Marketplace, Challenge Card, and Shipment cosmetic content available to all players for free.”
If you’ve spent hours unlocking this content that might not sit right with you but we’re looking forward to getting all that unlocked. We’re still a bit miffed we never got Marvel Zombies skins though.
What happens to my Marvel’s Avengers credits?
This is the big one – what if you’ve already purchased or in-game currency? Those credits will, at the end of March, get converted into in-game resources. The following table, also featured on Crystal Dynamics’ site, explains what you’ll get.
The most remarkable thing about this whole affair is how much of a money sink it’s been for Square Enix. Shutting down Babylon’s Fall isn’t a good look but, as an original IP, the company wouldn’t have had to pay through the nose for it.
Marvel’s Avengers, on the other hand, is a massive, massive property which had to have cost an absolute fortune. We’ve got our fingers crossed that, a year or two from now, NoClip blows the doors off this game with one of their documentaries.
For now, it’s farewell to Marvel’s Avengers.
