A new free-to-play Marvel Games PC title, Marvel Rivals, is set to launch in May. Players will have the opportunity to play as 18 iconic Marvel superhero and supervillain characters, with more characters to be added in future updates.

The closed alpha version of Marvel Rivals, available in May (exact release date to be determined), will include 18 characters. Players will be able to choose from Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Groot, Hulk, Iron Man, Loki, Luna Snow, Magik, Magneto, Mantis, Namor, Peni Parker, Rocket Raccoon, Scarlet Witch, Spider-Man, Storm, Star-Lord, and The Punisher.

Marvel Rivals, developed by NetEase Games based in China, is a superhero team-based shooter. Players will have the ability to assemble a dynamic squad of superheroes and supervillains, each with unique superpowers, and battle across destructible maps from the Marvel Multiverse.

The game's storyline, crafted by the NetEase writing team, revolves around a clash between the tyrannical dictator Doctor Doom and his future counterpart from the year 2099. This clash has caused multiple universes to collide in the Timestream Entanglement, resulting in the creation of new worlds and unknown crises. Players must join forces with superheroes and supervillains from across the multiverse to defeat both versions of Doctor Doom and prevent their domination of these realities.

Marvel and NetEase have promised regular post-launch updates for Marvel Rivals. These updates will introduce new characters, maps, and additional content to enhance the gameplay experience.

Marvel Rivals is the latest addition to the lineup of superhero vs. villain games from the Disney brand. The popular mobile game "Marvel: Contest of Champions" was launched by Disney nearly 10 years ago.

Head of Marvel Games, Jay Ong, expressed excitement about the project, stating that "Marvel Rivals" is one of their most ambitious game development projects. NetEase Games director, Thaddeus Sasser, emphasized the importance of teamwork in the game, comparing superhero teams to families who join forces to defeat evil. Players will have the opportunity to use team-up abilities with friends and teammates to super-charge attacks or defenses and achieve victory.

Watch the trailer for "Marvel Rivals" below to get a glimpse of the upcoming game.