Canceled: Multiversus - Another One Bites The Dust!

MultiVersus, the ambitious crossover fighting game from Player First Games and Warner Bros., is set to shut down its online services on May 30, 2025. Despite its initial success and unique concept, the game faced numerous challenges that ultimately led to its downfall. This article explores the reasons behind the cancellation, the argument for keeping the game on platforms with a nice stable build, and the negative impact of the drama.

The game, which brought together iconic characters from various Warner Bros. properties, had the potential to become a beloved title. However, its reliance on the online aspect as a live game, ultimately led to its downfall in part. If only Warner Bros. had followed the successful blueprint of Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. closer, the fate of MultiVersus might have been different.

Reasons for Cancellation

MultiVersus launched with high hopes, offering a platform fighter featuring beloved characters from various Warner Bros. properties. However, several factors contributed to its decline:

1. Technical Issues: The game suffered from frequent disconnections and other technical problems that frustrated players.

2. Player Retention: Despite a strong start, MultiVersus struggled to maintain a consistent player base. The game's mechanics and updates failed to keep players engaged.

3. Financial Losses: Warner Bros. reported significant financial losses, with MultiVersus being a contributing factor. The game's inability to generate sufficient revenue through microtransactions and other means led to its eventual shutdown. So the lack of support as seen with other live games, played a factor in the game coming to an end.
   

Why MultiVersus Should Remain on Platforms 

While the decision to shut down MultiVersus is final, there are compelling reasons to keep the game available on platforms without ongoing online support:

1. Preservation of Content: Keeping the game accessible allows players to continue enjoying the content they have invested time and money into. Offline modes and local multiplayer can still provide entertainment value. Download the game before it vanishes if you want to keep it.

2. Community Engagement: Even without online support, dedicated fans can organize local tournaments and events, fostering a sense of community and
   keeping the game's spirit alive.

3. Learning Opportunity: Future developers can study MultiVersus as a case study, learning from its ups and downs to create better games in the future and question whether live games are worth the risk.

The Drama Surrounding the Cancellation

The announcement of MultiVersus' shutdown sparked significant backlash from some members of the gaming community. Some players expressed
their disappointment and anger through threats and harassment directed at the developers. This behavior is not only harmful but also counterproductive, even though we can understand that the money pumped into supporting the free-to-play title will be going to waste, we cannot forget the other factors.

Impact of Negative Gamer Behavior Threats and harassment towards developers can have severe consequences for the gaming industry:

1. Mental Health: Developers facing threats and harassment experience increased stress and anxiety, which can negatively impact their mental health and productivity.

2. Industry Retention: Talented developers may leave the industry due to the toxic environment, leading to a loss of creativity and innovation.

3. Hesitation to Innovate: The fear of backlash may discourage developers from taking risks and experimenting with new ideas, ultimately stifling the growth of the gaming industry.

The cancellation of MultiVersus serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and uncertainties within the gaming industry. While the game's shutdown is undoubtedly disappointing, it is crucial for the community to respond constructively. By supporting developers and fostering a positive environment, gamers can help ensure the continued growth and innovation of the industry without pushing creators away due to unnecessary drama. This doesn't mean blindly accepting everything, but rather providing constructive criticism instead of threats.

MultiVersus could have been repackaged as an offline game with an engaging story leading the way. Gamers could have hosted online games themselves if Warner Bros no longer wished to take on the financial risk. Ensuring the game's stability and leaving it at that would have sufficed, while DLC could have been introduced if the developer decided to return with additional content. Had the game been sold at an affordable price from the outset, it could have remained competitive with Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. The continuation of the story could have justified a sequel when the time was right, cementing MultiVersus as a permanent title available for purchase on both PC and console.

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Wednesday... Reviewed!

Shout out to Warner Bros Discovery for providing a copy of this show to review. My opinions are my own.

Right out of the gate, this show gained my interest thinking it was going to place Wednesday and Pugsley in a high school setting that challenged them to navigate through token school life, but then things shifted after something entertaining occurred. Does it hold up from this point? Let's find out.

Story: So that... thing that Wednesday pulled off at school to avenge Pugsley got her the boot, but not the students who kicked it all off (you know how that usually goes)... but her move to a new school took her from the ordinary to the abnormal via Nevermore Academy.

Wednesday goes into this season with smoke for her parents. It mainly seems like it's aimed at her mom (Morticia), but... her dad is getting that work as well. She seems to be a rebel with... causes she feels is noble. She doesn't believe in being a housewife, which I was like... is this going to be one of those show that revolves around that type of narrative with an Addams Family theme wrapped around it. It definitely remains tucked in the show... but it isn't oversaturated to the point that it commandeers the show. Thank goodness. A message is one thing, using it as a crutch instead of showcasing originality is something else... and Tim Burton didn't allow his name to be fuel for a dumpster fire.

But yeah... Wednesday doesn't just have a problem with that type of notion, she also doesn't believe in social media, she doesn't believe in cell phones... and just seems to be anti-anything that she feels would annoy her (which isn't far off from Wednesday). It's carried as a badge of honor by Wednesday to represent that she doesn't allow others to define her.

I would've loved to see how things played out at the traditional school, but the deeper I got into the various chapters... the show got even better. I don't really see the comedy aspect (unless it's dry dark comedy... until the family graces the screen), but the mystery... yes! I'd even call it a thriller to an extent as Wednesday tries to find the truth about a book that dates back centuries... and appears to be tied to the Addams family and their history in Jericho. The past doesn't just tie in Wednesday's ancestor, but also her dad... (Gomez) who had the local sheriff convinced that he was a killer.

So you have that aspect placing them opposite sides, plus the drama that takes place at the academy and Jericho in general. It almost feels like a cross up between The Outsider + Star Girl + Bones... featuring Thing. I was actually trying to see if Thing was doing sign language, which in part he was... and fun fact, it's a form of ASL that I use (called Signed English). Signed English is finger spelling with one hand but at a fast past that allows you to hold a conversation (with deaf individuals and the hearing impaired).

Overall, this is a really good show, despite the pace picking up closer to the finale. With over 6 billion minutes poured into the show in its first five days, it's safe to say that others feel similar outside of curious viewers (who watch the trending suggestions).

Fun fact: This is Netflix's most popular English TV series of all time. That's the power of flexing your creativity in a way that viewers appreciate.

Visuals: Visually speaking, you get a lot of dark vivid scenes in this film. They're broken up with the sunny days around town, but certain areas still deliver that darkness despite the sun shining. This show captures plenty of mid shots, closeups, with low angles and high angles tucked in (i.e. the balcony scene involving Gomez, Principal Larissa, and others). One of my favorite shots was Wednesday and a classmate climbing into the spiraled cave. I won't say anymore about that, but it was a nice angle.

Audio: Wednesday is served up in DTS-HD Master Audio, as well as Dolby Digital 5.1. 

I listened with both surround sound speakers and... 1More S50s. The quality audio makes this series even better, and it's easy to point out the sounds when the action kicks up... but subtle sounds like Lurch walking across the floor or Thing breaking someone out of a cop car sounds great too. Proper placement and quality sounds go such a long way and I appreciated what was done here. I watched the finally a few times just to hear it over again, especially when all hell broke lose and things got a little... electrifying (that sounded sweet on the headphones).

Price: Price: Pricewise you can get... Wednesday on DVD for $24.98 & $29.98 on Blu-Ray. Is it worth it? Yes, you get multiple elements that give you the feel of a thrill ride to a degree, plus the mystery aspect, plus the love interest(s) that some viewers crave even if Wednesday doesn't exactly know how to show it in a way we deem normal, but... she's an Addams (what can ya can about it, huh?). You get over 480 minutes in the 2-disc Blu-ray that serve up 8 well-rounded episodes that feel like a long movie. These episodes move you closer to the finale with ease... because they're easy to binge watch thanks to the cliffhangers. The ending also leaves the door open for another season. Personally, I would've celebrated the success of the first season with a special edition disc that included a Thing keychain.

Story 5

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

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Static Shock: The Hero w/ Room for a Motion Picture Franchise!

Static Shock has been a beloved character for decades, and supporters of Milestone are still waiting for Warner Bros to believe in Virgil Hawkins enough to... finally... bring him to the big screen. There was a time when the stars were aligning by way of a joint production between Warner Bros & (Michael B. Jordan's production company) Outlier Society, but we haven't seen anything as far as In Development/Pre-Production. Outlier Society's pending product "The Greatest" begins shooting several days into... January 2024. When it comes to information from the FTIA, Static Shock is nowhere to be found, and the biggest news DC-related are previous movies coming to Netflix on December 1st. Been there... done that! What's new?

Static Shock isn't part of the traditional DC Universe, he's from Milestone... now it's time for a new milestone by way of a live-action film. The character has a unique backstory and powers that would make for an exciting and fresh addition to the superhero film genre. Having another Black superhero in a major motion picture would be a welcomed addition, not only because the world won't end if there are more than 1 or 2 in their own feature film... but because the audience is there. An audience that consists of people from various backgrounds and communities, but also the Black community's superhero fans, comic book lovers, cosplayers, gamers, and so on who want the variety. 

Black Panther was amazing, and we can't overlook the love Miles Morales gets by way of his animated films (stay tuned for "Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse"). Oh yeah... wait... wait... wait... I can't forget about Blade. You know the katana-wielding vampire hunter with the strength of the bloodsuckers with none of their weaknesses beyond that shared thirst? Yeah him, the character that pulled Marvel out of the clutches of ruin. Speaking of ruin, they'd better not screw up this new Blade film. Wesley Snipes would've been the first person I called to help shape it into the film that audiences love (and October would be the month I'd release it in theaters). That would make sense to me, not this weird desire to hire people who seemingly run multi-million dollar projects into the ground, but... I digress.

Warner Bros has solid examples of why this would likely win, and if I were them I'd strike while Marvel is scrambling to get it together. As long as the script makes sense.

While it's understandable that studios may be hesitant to take risks on lesser-known characters, I believe that Static Shock could do better than... Shazam! Audiences are open to new and diverse stories. Static Shock has a built-in fan base from the animated series that aired in the early 2000s and the comic books.

They could literally start Static off in school, and give him room to grow into an adult with abilities that electrify audiences. This can be done over time. Make two films, let it breathe, and then come back. Rinse and repeat.

In short, Warner Bros would be making a huge mistake by denying Static Shock a chance at a motion picture release (in my opinion). It's time to give this character the recognition and platform he deserves and see what kind of impact he can make on the superhero film landscape.

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Succession: The Complete Series... Reviewed!

I would like to thank, Warner Bros for sending this product. My opinions are my own.

Story: "Succession" is a masterclass in television drama. The show follows the lives of the Roy family, a wealthy and powerful media dynasty, as they navigate the ups and downs of their empire and personal relationships. 

From the very first episode, the show captures your attention with its quick-witted dialogue, complex characters, and expertly crafted plot. Each episode is filled with twists and turns, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as the family dynamic changes and alliances are tested.

The themes of power, family, and loyalty are explored in great depth throughout the series, as we watch the members of the Roy family struggle to maintain their status and influence. The tone of the show is darkly comedic, highlighting the absurdities and hypocrisies of the ultra-wealthy, yet it never fails to leave a lingering sense of unease.

The acting is superb across the board, with standout performances from Brian Cox as patriarch Logan Roy, Jeremy Strong as his troubled son Kendall, and Sarah Snook as the ambitious and cunning Siobhan. The ensemble cast is truly exceptional, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective roles.

While "Succession" may not be for everyone, those who appreciate intelligent and thought-provoking drama will find themselves drawn into this world and invested in the Roy family's journey. The show demands your attention and rewards it with stunning performances, complex characters, and a gripping storyline. Simply put, "Succession" is some of the best television out there today.

Although I enjoyed watching the drama, I realized that I wanted to consume positive and uplifting content afterward to balance things out.

Visuals: The direction and cinematography are equally impressive, with a keen eye for detail and framing that elevates the show's stunning production design. I have one critique, there should have been a Blu-ray option!

Although "Succession" effectively portrays the challenges of the industry, it seems that someone overlooked the fact that HD resolution should be the targeted quality for the release.

Audio: The score is haunting and moody, perfectly capturing the show's brooding atmosphere.

Succession: The Complete Series, features Dolby Digital English 5.1

Price + Extras: Succession: The Complete Series delivers 39 episodes, and over 2 hours of bonus content. Bonus content includes, Inside the Episode Featurettes, Character Recaps, Cast and Crew Interviews, and Much More. 

DVD | $89.99 SRP ($79.99 Canada). 

Runtime: 650 Minutes or 10 hours and 50 minutes

Story 5

Visuals 3

Audio 5

Price + Extras 5

4.5 out of 5 Cool Points

Sophima | Guest Contributor

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