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MultiVersus gets a closed alpha and EVO tournament

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Player First Games and WB Games finally gave us another look at the wacky Warner Bros. crossover fighter MultiVersus. We not only get to see developers fight Smash Bros. pros KAKAT and VoiD, but got confirmation of a closed alpha and EVO appearance as well.

MultiVersus is a “platform fighter” that plays similarly to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Instead of video game characters, this game gathers a lot of iconic Warner Bros. characters like Shaggy, Superman, and Steven Universe, and the game emphasizes 2v2 matches as the primary mode. Warner Bros. revealed the game last November after lots of leaks, and this is our first in-depth look at the game since then. While the video doesn’t reveal too much outside of some new stages, it’s our best look yet at how MultiVersus plays. 

MultiVersus – Pros Vs Devs Showcase (Ft. NAKAT & VoiD)

Alongside this new video, Warner Bros. Games also confirmed that it is holding a closed alpha across all platforms between May 19 and May 27 to test cross-play and rollback netcode. You can sign up for the alpha on MultiVersus‘ website.

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Surprisingly, we also learned that a MultiVersus tournament will be held at EVO this year. EVO is an annual event where pro players compete in the most popular fighting games. While MultiVersus isn’t one of EVO’s main games as it hasn’t launched yet, Warner Bros is still holding a 2 vs. 2 tournament for MultiVersus during the event.

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MultiVersus does not have a firm release date yet, but we know it will be released for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X as a free-to-play game sometime later this year. 

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Tomas Franzese
Tomas Franzese
Gaming Staff Writer
As a Gaming Staff Writer at Digital Trends, Tomas Franzese reports on and reviews the latest releases and exciting…
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MultiVersus' Open Beta is getting shut down on June 25, but the game isn't shutting down for good. Instead, developer Player First Games and publisher WB Games are taking MultiVersus offline ahead of a planned relaunch in early 2024.
MultiVersus - Open Beta Update
The fighting game, which is Warner Bros. version of Super Smash Bros., launched last year to some acclaim from fans and critics. Despite an initial wave of popularity, the game's active player base tanked in 2023, dropping by 99% at one point. Now, the game will largely go offline while the developers work towards an official 1.0 release. Game director Tony Huynh explained the unusual move in a video and FAQ detailing what's next.
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After June 25, those who have MultiVersus downloaded will only be able to play offline modes like training and local multiplayer. The game will no longer be available to download and premium currency Gleamium will no longer be available for purchase after April 4. To compensate, MultiVersus' Season 2 battle pass is being extended until March 25, and all purchased items and progression will be carried over to next year's launch. 
While players got the impression that MultiVersus was going to stay live from open beta through its 1.0 launch, that is apparently not the case. Hopefully, Player First Games and WB Games stick to their word and do eventually re-release the game, as it could be better with some much-needed improvements. 
MultiVersus' Open Beta ends on June 25, with the full game's launch slated for early 2024. 

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