Marvel's Avengers Has Even More Exclusive Content Deals Coming
Fresh off a controversy surrounding placing Spider-Man exclusively in the PlayStation editions of the game, Square Enix is rolling out further exclusive offers for Marvel's Avengers. Having just recently entered its closed beta period for pre-order customers, gamers are getting their first hands-on opportunity with Marvel's first foray into games as a service. Marvel's Avengers takes place in the greater "Marvel Gamerverse," a universe that also includes Marvel's Spider-Man and several mobile-first titles. Players will take control of an MCU-friendly lineup of Marvel heavyweights as well as Kamala Khan, a more recent superhero who fights under the moniker of Ms. Marvel.
As part of the pre-launch media blitz, Sony and Square Enix recently confirmed that Spider-Man, traditionally Marvel's most popular hero, will only appear on PlayStation editions of the game. This angered many players, both because they wanted to experience what the wall-crawler had to offer in this new game and because the hero's exclusiveness seemingly prevents the game from ever utilizing cross-play or cross-progression. More and more players are calling out for online games to carry over progress between platforms and let them play with their friends wherever they may be. Sony was one of the last holdouts with this style of multiplayer, and this deal tells a similar story. However, due to recent developments, it might not be Sony's fault at all.
Several promotions surrounding the Marvel's Avengers closed beta will seemingly also involve giving players exclusive content. None of the bonuses will be as drastic as a full playable hero, but players who jump through certain hoops will be able to procure costumes, emotes, and other doodads before the game launches this fall. As first discovered by JayShockblast on Twitter, the most prominent is a partnership with Verizon. Those who get mobile service through the carrier will be able to log into the MyVerizon app tomorrow to claim entry into the closed beta and a set of costumes for the Avengers decked in the company's red color scheme.
Those braving the wasteland to go out shopping today saw a second promotion offering in-game content for Marvel's Avengers tied into 5 Gum, according to PlayAvenger. There are eight rewards in total, with each pack unlocking a new treat ranging from nameplates to a "legendary artifact" based on Captain America to a small helping of in-game currency. The most substantial of these bonuses is a Kamala Khan emote that features the hero chewing bubble gum and blowing a bubble. A fitting emote for the promotion to be sure.
Looking at those digging into Marvel's Avengers promotional materials, there is at least one other set of skins to be released in this manner by Intel, and who knows how many other promotions are waiting to be announced? The statement that Spider-Man would be the only "console exclusive hero" may now raise questions because of its specificity, since Square Enix seems to be willing to carve up in-game rewards and hand them out to brands everywhere. It does fit with such a titan brand like Marvel, but it also reeks of a game where the business model may well overshadow the gameplay.
Marvel's Avengers will be available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Google Stadia on September 4, 2020, and it will launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2021.
Source: JayShockblast, PlayAvenger