Why are games like Magic: The Gathering doing crossovers?

Crossovers are done to attract new players, increase revenue, and offer fans new ways to engage with beloved properties.

How does Overwatch handle its crossovers?

Overwatch frames its crossovers as characters cosplaying, maintaining hero identity while incorporating elements from other franchises.

Do game crossovers alienate long-time fans?

Yes, some long-time fans feel crossovers can dilute original game identities and detract from unique game worlds.

Home / Technology / Gaming's Crossover Craze: Identity Crisis?

Gaming's Crossover Craze: Identity Crisis?

24 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Magic: The Gathering's Final Fantasy set grossed $200 million in one day.
Overwatch uses a 'our characters are cosplaying' approach for skins.
Crossovers risk alienating long-time fans who prefer original content.

Gaming's Crossover Craze: Identity Crisis?

Gaming universes are increasingly blending through brand crossovers, a trend exemplified by Magic: The Gathering's recent Final Fantasy set, which earned $200 million in one day. This surge in cross-property collaborations, also seen in games like Overwatch and Fortnite, aims to attract new players and boost revenue. However, these ventures risk alienating long-time fans who perceive them as cash grabs that dilute the core identity of their beloved games, leading to polarized online discussions.

Developers are navigating this tension with varying strategies. Overwatch, for instance, adopts a "our characters are cosplaying" approach, ensuring heroes remain recognizable while incorporating elements from other franchises. This method aims to integrate external properties without undermining the game's established lore and visual identity. For Magic: The Gathering, the Universes Beyond series has seen significant financial success but also drawn criticism for its density and potential impact on the game's original concepts.