Drawing comparisons between Marvel Rivals and Overwatch is almost inevitable, especially when Marvel Rivals’ upcoming Chinese New Year event looks all too familiar. As someone deeply immersed in Blizzard’s hero shooter for the past eight years, it’s hard not to notice the recurring themes.
Starting January 23, Marvel Rivals kicks off its Spring Festival with a new limited-time mode that feels like Rocket League minus the vehicles. Dubbed Clash of Dancing Lions, this mode unfolds in a spacious arena with goals at each end. Players will dribble and score using heroes like Black Widow, Iron Fist, and Star-Lord, all decked out in dancing lion costumes. Swap them with Lúcio from Overwatch, and you’ve essentially got Lúcioball—a staple of Overwatch’s Summer Games since 2016.
Moreover, the heroes from Marvel Rivals boast dancing lion MVP animations, reminiscent of those in Overwatch. While neither game can claim to have invented Chinese New Year festivities nor the traditional dance, the parallels between these two events stand out sharply.
This year, Overwatch is amplifying its Lunar New Year celebrations, particularly notable as it makes its return to China on February 19, thanks to publisher NetEase. Game director Aaron Keller recently revealed on Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote) that fans can look forward to a return of various cosmetics along with a new lineup of skins inspired by Chinese mythology.
In the meantime, Marvel Rivals steps into the spotlight to mark the occasion. Even if the new mode diverges from Lúcioball in gameplay, there’s little doubt that many will comment on its clear nod to Overwatch. This doesn’t inherently tarnish the experience, but it does prompt one to ponder whether future content will continue to target Overwatch enthusiasts.
