Marvel’s Avengers’ next-gen versions and character DLC have been delayed

Square Enix has delayed the release of Marvel’s Avengers‘ Kate Bishop DLC and the next-gen versions of the game.

Kate Bishop was due to be added to the title this month, while the game was scheduled to be available at launch for Xbox Series X/S and PS5 in November.

In a blog post addressing the state of the game, which has been troubled since its PS4, Xbox One, PC and Stadia release on September 4, Crystal Dynamics studio head Scot Amos said “sorry” for the “slight delay” to the Kate Bishop content.

He didn’t provide more specific launch windows for the next-gen versions of the game other than next year.

On Friday market research firm the NPD Group said Marvel’s Avengers recorded the second-biggest launch month for a superhero game in US history, trailing only Marvel’s Spider-Man in terms of dollar sales.

But the game has been beset by problems since its release and has also suffered from a lack of post-launch content, resulting in a dwindling player count.

“Marvel’s Avengers’ launch was not without turbulence, and we recognize that a number of issues detracted from your enjoyment of the game,” said Amos. “This does not align with Crystal Dynamics’ value of craftsmanship, and for that we sincerely apologize.

“Over the past weeks, our team around the world has been heads down fixing bugs and tuning key gameplay systems guided in part by your feedback. Since launch, we’ve released rapid updates to address these bugs, improve game stability, and refine our matchmaking system. While our work is never done, these fixes and additions have made improvements to the overall player experience.”

Amos said players will be able to download “a digital thank-you bundle” between October 22 at 10am PT/6pm UK and November 5 at 10am PT/6pm UK including the following:

• Credits: 1500 – Enough for a Legendary Skin and Nameplate from the Marketplace
• Units: 7000
• Upgrade Modules: 250
• DNA Keys: 20
• A Sarah Garza-Inspired Nameplate

While the next-gen versions of the game have been delayed, Marvel’s Avengers will be playable on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S at launch, and it will benefit from improved frame rates and faster loading times. The game will also support cross-gen co-op play and saves will be transferrable to the next-gen versions when they’re available.

Following on from this week’s Marvel’s Avengers patch V1.3.3, Amos said Crystal Dynamics is focusing on improving four key areas of the game: performance and stability, multiplayer/matchmaking, rewards, and late-game content.

He also outlined several new community-driven features actively being worked on including a ping system, improved mission reward clarity, a high contrast mode, and the ability to reset and replay the campaign with a hero’s level and gear intact.

“In our nearly 30-year history, Crystal Dynamics has never shipped a game under conditions like these; from working at home to avoid a pandemic, to some of us evacuating said homes to stay safe from wildfires,” Amos wrote.

“While the challenges 2020 has surfaced are many, it’s also instilled a strength in us; to reassemble a team divided by geography and life circumstances, and come back stronger, united by a mission to do right by you.”

Further reading

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Marvel’s Avengers studio says it’s ‘confident players will return to the game’

Crystal Dynamics releases statement in response to declining PC player count