sacAnime attendees explain why you should play Marvel Rivals

Cosplayer Galaxa Thea

Marvel Rivals has taken over SacAnime. Rebelle Geek hit the con floor to interview attendees and ask the hard-hitting questions: Why is Marvel Rivals so popular? What is Emma Frost’s best skin? And which characters should a non-gamer like me play?

Before diving into the chaos of the convention floor, we attended a Marvel Rivals panel featuring voice actors Stephen Fu (Iron Fist), Nika Futterman (Hela), Gabe Kunda (Blade), and Cassandra Lee Morris (Galacta). While filming wasn’t allowed, Rebelle Geek did get the chance to ask the cast a pivotal question: why has Marvel Rivals taken off so quickly?

The answer, in short, is community.

“It’s six-on-six, and it brings community together, something we’re all looking for post-pandemic,” said Morris.

The game’s success also stems from its endless possibilities. Marvel Rivals allows players to build teams of legacy Marvel characters who would likely never fight side by side in the comics. Dream matchups, like Blade and Hela, become reality, and that creative freedom keeps players coming back.

To better understand the game’s appeal, we took our questions to the con floor.

For cosplayer Layla, Marvel Rivals offers a meaningful way to connect with friends. She gravitates toward support characters rather than frontline fighters.

“It’s so fun,” Layla said. “I love supporting my friends when they go into battle while I stay in the back healing them.”

Layla also credits the game’s character design for its popularity among Marvel fans and cosplayers alike.

“They give characters their throwback origin looks along with newer designs that are super unique and cool,” she said.

Those designs have fueled viral buzz, especially looks for Emma Frost, Jean Grey as Phoenix, and Magik.

Marvel Rivals also lowers the barrier to entry for new players. Gamers can choose between Vanguards (tanks), Duelists (damage dealers), and Strategists (support/healers). Its structure mirrors team-based shooters like Overwatch, which explains why many Overwatch players have made the switch.

Cosplayer Jessica is one of them.

“I used to play Overwatch, but once Marvel Rivals came out, I tried it and completely fell in love,” Jessica said.

She credits the game’s emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie.

“I love supporting others while still being able to do damage,” she said.

Jessica usually plays with friends, turning the game into yet another space for community-building.

Talking with SacAnime attendees only deepened my curiosity. Marvel Rivals isn’t just fun, it helps people build friendships and find connection, something many of us are craving right now.

As for beginner-friendly characters, con-floor consensus points to Sue Storm and Squirrel Girl as great starting options.

I’ve never considered myself a gamer—but Marvel Rivals might just change my mind.