In a Disney video and blog, Sean Shoptaw, the company's executive vice president of global games and digital entertainment, said Marvel Rivals has become Discord's largest gaming community, with more than 4.4 million members.
The NetEase hero shooter surpassed 40 million players worldwide, and more than 60% of the player base is under 24. The 40 million figure was announced more than a year ago, suggesting the current audience is even larger.
Shoptaw described games as "places of connection, creativity and self-expression" and said that in these spaces young people have their first contact with major Disney brands and franchises. Marvel Rivals was cited as an example of that reach.
NetEase has been strengthening the game's social side. Hellfire Beach, added as a second social hub, offers players a resting space away from fast-paced matches.
In 2025, Marvel Rivals has accumulated more than 285 million hours watched on Twitch. With the Team-Up system rework in the 9th season and the "Road to Doomsday" event underway, the game continues to expand.
For the executive, the growing community could make Marvel Rivals an increasingly important part of Disney's gaming ambitions.
