Crystal Dynamics is ending support on Marvel’s Avengers.
The studio confirmed the information in a blog post published on Friday, following an article from Exputer, which had talked to sources close to the matter.
Crystal Dynamics said that the last content update will launch on March 31, 2023, with support then ending later this year, on September 30.
The decision was “made in conjunction with [its] partners,” Crystal Dynamics said without further clarification, adding that “now was the right time to make this change.”
“Both single and multiplayer gameplay will continue to be available,” the studio clarified, even after support ends.
Avengers’ cosmetics marketplace will shut down, but Crystal Dynamics will make every item in it free from March 31.
“Gifting the full library of marketplace cosmetic content is a way to thank our community by letting everyone experience the breadth and depth of content in Marvel’s Avengers,” the blog post said. “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.”
Marvel’s Avengers released in September 2020 to mixed reviews. In our Critical Consensus at the time, we noted that “the critics found much to like in Crystal Dynamics’ campaign, and rather less in Square Enix’s ambitions to make its own Destiny.”
Despite the lukewarm reception, the title still found an audience, topping the September 2020 charts in the US for instance. Crystal Dynamics decided at the time to delay the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions to 2021 though, to ensure product quality.
Soon after, Square Enix confirmed that the title missed expectations. Avengers launched on Game Pass a year later, with our contributing editor Rob Fahey highlighting it was an opportunity for the game to outlive a disappointing launch.
Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda said that Marvel’s Avengers was a disappointment for the company in November 2021, soon after a controversy around its microtransactions.
Square Enix sold Crystal Dynamics, alongside Eidos Montreal and Square Enix Montreal, to Embracer in May 2022 for $300 million.
Eidos Montreal founder Stephane D’Astous reflected on what happened with Marvel’s Avengers in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz where he told us that Square Enix’s Western studios were a “train wreck in slow motion.”
