MultiVersus
| MultiVersus | |
|---|---|
 Promotional logo. | |
| Publisher | Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment |
| Developer | Player First Games |
| Console | Windows PlayStation 4 Playstation 5 Xbox Series X/S Xbox One |
| Genre | Fighting |
| Release date | May 28, 2024 |
MultiVersus is a free-to-play platform fighting video game developed by Player First Games, made in the same vein as Super Smash Bros. and Nickelodeon All Star Brawl. It was officially announced in November 2021, after numerous leaks surrounding the game, and ran through early access and open beta versions that ran from July 2022 to June 2023. It was launched on May 28, 2024.
In the game, players assume various Warner Bros.-owned characters as they face off in an epic battle across the multiverse. Due to Hanna-Barbera (and Turner Entertainment) being owned by Warner Bros., the likes of Tom Cat, Jerry Mouse, Velma Dinkley, and Shaggy Rogers are featured as playable characters of the main cast.
Gameplay
Characters
Playable characters (pre-release)
- Shaggy Rogers
- Velma Dinkley
- Tom Cat
- Jerry Mouse
- Finn Mertens (Adventure Time)
- Steven Quartz Universe (Steven Universe)
- Garnet (Steven Universe)
- Jake the Dog (Adventure Time)
- Harley Quinn (DC)
- Wonder Woman (DC)
- Batman (DC)
- Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes)
- Superman (DC)
- Reindog (MultiVersus)
- Arya Stark (Game of Thrones)
- Tasmanian Devil (Looney Tunes)
- Iron Giant (The Iron Giant)
Playable Characters (post-release)
- Lebron James (Space Jam: A New Legacy)
- Rick Sanchez (Rick and Morty)
- Morty Smith (Rick and Morty)
- Black Adam (DC)
- Stripe (Gremlins)
- Gizmo (Gremlins)
- Marvin the Martian (Looney Tunes)
- The Joker (DC)
- Banana Guard (Adventure Time)
- Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)
- Agent Smith (The Matrix)
- The Powerpuff Girls (The Powerpuff Girls)
Locations
- Earth
- United States
- Batcave (DC)
- Haunted mansion (Scooby-Doo)
- Dexter's Laboratory (Dexter's Laboratory)
- Townsville (The Powerpuff Girls)
- Warner Bros. Lot (Animaniacs)
- Land of Ooo (Adventure Time)
- Finn and Jake's treehouse (Adventure Time)
- United States
- Trophy's E.D.G.E.
- Sky Arena (Steven Universe)
- The Court (Space Jam: A New Legacy)
Development
Prior to its official announcement, rumors about the game were spread from multiple sources.[1] Initially, a user on the subreddit r/GamingLeaksandRumours claimed that it was in development as early as 2019, due to the release of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Warner Bros.' acknowledgment of the Ultra Instinct Shaggy internet meme. They also claimed that the idea of a crossover game came from Space Jam: A New Legacy,[2] which itself was a crossover of various WB-owned IPs; although the validity of these claims is uncertain.
Following the leaks, the first trailer for the game was released on December 2, 2021, announcing its main roster. A beta test was then announced to be available at a later time to those who signed up for it. Those invited would also receive 3 extra codes to invite their friends to the testing as well.
The first beta test was announced 2 months later, on March 4. The testers were encouraged to not discuss anything about the game online due to NDA. However, a survey was held after the player closed the game for the first time, where players were asked questions about how they would improve the game, and who they would like to see as a playable character. The first beta closed a week later on the 18th, and there was news for a whole month after that.
On May 16, 2022, a closed alpha was announced and would be available on the 18th, two days later, until the 27th of the same month. There would be no NDA this time so players would be free to talk about the game online, and in this case, this wiki as well. On the same day, an open beta was announced to be available in July after the closed alpha had ended.
Cast
- Matthew Lillard as Shaggy
- Kate Micucci as Velma
- Eric Bauza as Bugs Bunny, Marvin the Martian, Tom, and Jerry
- William Hanna (archived audio) as Tom and Jerry
- Kevin Conroy as Batman
- George Newbern as Superman
- Abby Trott as Wonder Woman
- Tara Strong as Harley Quinn
- Malsie Williams as Arya Stark
- John DiMaggio as Jake the Dog
- Jeremy Shada as Finn the Human
- Estelle as Garnet
- Daniel DeVenere as Steven Quartz Universe
- Andrew Frankel as Reindog
- Jim Cummings as Tazmanian Devil
- John Lipow as the Iron Giant
- Daniel Ross as Uncle Shagworthy,[3] Gizmo, and Stripe
- Justin Roiland and Ian Cardoni as Rick Sanchez[Note 1]
- Justin Roiland and Harry Belden as Morty Smith[Note 2]
- Bob Carter as Black Adam
- Mark Hamill as the Joker
Behind the scenes
- Daniel Ross, one of the voice actors of the game, plays it himself, and regularly Tweets about his progress.
Marketing and promotion
In March 2024, Warner Bros. partnered with McDonald's, who included toys in their Kid's Meals.
Between September 18―November 27, 2024, DC Comics published a six-issue limited series tie-in called MultiVersus: Collision Detected.
Footnotes
References
- ^ Leblanc, Wesley. "MultiVersus Announced, Will Feature Batman, Shaggy, Bugs Bunny, Arya Stark, Steven Universe, And More". Game Informer. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ Whitehead, Thomas (November 18, 2021). "Rumour: Official Teases Point To Smash Bros. Imitator "Warner Bros Multiversus". Nintendo Life. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
- ^ multiversus (June 17, 2022). "A most distinguished gentleman indeed. Welcome the vocal talents of @ActorDanielRoss as Uncle Shagworthy, a Variant of Shaggy. Care for a cup of tea?". Twitter. Retrieved June 17, 2022.
