available during this weekend. A final open beta took place from 21 August to 23 August for all launch platforms apart from Stadia. Marvel's Avengers was originally set to release on PlayStation 4, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One on 15 May 2020, but was pushed back to 4 September, in order to adjust and polish the game. The game was released in four editions; a Standard Edition, an Exclusive Digital Edition (only for PS4), a Deluxe Edition, and an Earth's Mightiest Edition, with the latter three editions being playable from 1 September, and the standard edition releasing on 4 September. The game released on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S on 18 March 2021. PS4 and Xbox One players are entitled to a free upgrade. Publishing rights for the Asian release of the game were handled by Bandai Namco Entertainment. Post-release content Following the initial release of the game, Crystal Dynamics developed several free downloadable content (DLC) packs adding new playable characters and missions that continue the game's story. In June 2020, the first of these expansions was revealed to focus on Hawkeye (Clint Barton). Later, in August, Spider-Man was announced as the second playable DLC character, exclusively to PlayStation. Crystal Dynamics studio head Scot Amos stated the exclusivity of Spider-Man came from Marvel and Sony's existing partnership, and clarified that he was meant to be the only console-exclusive character. On 1 September, the third announced playable DLC character was Hawkeye (Kate Bishop). Kate's expansion, titled Operation: Kate Bishop - Taking A.I.M., was the first one to be released, on 8 December, after being delayed from its planned October release. The second expansion, Operation: Hawkeye - Future Imperfect, which patches Clint Barton as a playable character, was released on 18 March 2021. The third expansion, Operation: Black Panther - War for Wakanda, which added Black Panther to the game, was released on 17 August 2021. Hero Event: Spider-Man - With Great Power was released on 30 November 2021. Hero Event: The Mighty Thor was released on 28 June 2022, which adds Jane Foster version of Thor. Hero Event: Winter Soldier was released on 29 November 2022. On January 20, 2023, Crystal Dynamics announced that all official support for Marvel's Avengers would end on September 30. Tie-in media and merchandise Marvel's Avengers: Road to A-Day Marvel Comics has published five tie-in prequel comics for the game in