Marvel Snap has officially swung into its second year with a staggering $275 million in mobile revenue. This celebration, however, comes with a bittersweet note as the card battler’s financial trajectory has seen better days. Launched on October 18, 2022, the game was a hit from the get-go, racking up 30 million installs in just three months. It’s no surprise that the indie developer, Second Dinner, has secured a spot on the prestigious Top 50 Mobile Game Makers list.
But before we pop the champagne, let’s dive into the numbers. In its first year, Marvel Snap dazzled fans and wallets alike, pulling in a remarkable $173 million. Yet, as the confetti settled, the second year told a different tale—revenue dipped by 40%, culminating in just $102.9 million. Was it too much hype or simply the inevitable decline after a meteoric rise? The answer remains elusive, much like a superhero in disguise.
The game’s revenue peaks mirror the highs and lows of a comic book plot twist. December 2022 was a climactic moment, with revenue soaring nearly to $20 million, only to witness a downward spiral soon after. Sure, there were brief revivals, like the March 2024 spike following the Avengers vs. X-Men season pass launch. It seemed that bringing Iron Man and Magneto into the mix was a sure-fire way to boost interest. But alas, the thrill was short-lived, as revenue took another nosedive by April.
Just when you thought Marvel Snap might fade into obscurity, a miracle occurred in July. Coinciding with the release of the Deadpool & Wolverine movie, the game launched a battle pass that sent revenue skyrocketing by a jaw-dropping 300%. The surge in player spending, rising from $7.1 million in July to $7.6 million in September, was proof that when it comes to Marvel, movie tie-ins are still a goldmine. As of October, the game has generated an additional $5.7 million—a reminder that in the world of mobile gaming, a well-timed character drop can change the game.
Marvel Snap’s revenue fluctuates like a superhero’s fate, often tied to the introduction of new season passes and unique “Variant” cards. Notably, its most lucrative day came on February 7, 2023, following the debut of steampunk-themed Ant-Man and Wasp cards, perfectly timed with the release of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania. This pattern underscores a key lesson in the gaming universe: a strong connection to film releases can revitalize interest, making it clear that Marvel’s cinematic universe and its gaming counterparts are more intertwined than ever.
As we toast to Marvel Snap’s achievements, the question lingers—can it maintain momentum in a world where the next big thing is always just around the corner? For now, its anniversary celebrations might be tinged with irony, a testament to the unpredictable nature of mobile gaming. In this superhero saga, nothing is ever truly certain, and the next chapter remains unwritten.
