Tag Archives: Marvel Rivals

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NetEase’s Shocking Layoffs: The Marvel Rivals US Development Team

In a surprising turn of events, NetEase Games has recently laid off the entire US-based development team behind the successful hero shooter, Marvel Rivals. This decision has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, especially given the game’s massive success since its launch in December 2024.

The news broke on February 18, 2025, when Marvel Rivals game director Thaddeus Sasser took to LinkedIn to announce that his entire team had been let go. Sasser, a veteran in the gaming industry, expressed his disbelief and frustration over the sudden layoffs, highlighting the team’s significant contributions to the game’s success.

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals has been a runaway success. The game has garnered over 20 million downloads and consistently attracts hundreds of thousands of concurrent players on platforms like Steam. Its popularity has made it one of the most talked-about games in the competitive live service space.

Reasons Behind the Layoffs

NetEase cited “organizational reasons” and the need to “optimize development efficiency” as the primary reasons for the layoffs. The company emphasized that the core development team based in China remains committed to the game’s ongoing support and future updates.

The layoffs have had a significant impact on the affected employees, many of whom have been with NetEase since the game’s inception in January 2023. Sasser and his team specialized in game and level design, contributing to the innovative mechanics and engaging gameplay that have defined Marvel Rivals.

Community Reaction

The gaming community has reacted with a mix of shock and anger to the layoffs. Many fans and industry professionals have expressed their support for the affected employees and criticized NetEase for cutting a team that played a crucial role in the game’s success.

Despite the layoffs, NetEase has assured fans that Marvel Rivals will continue to receive updates and new content. The company is investing more resources into the game’s evolution and growth, aiming to deliver an exceptional experience for its global player base.

The layoffs at NetEase Games serve as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming industry. While Marvel Rivals continues to thrive, the affected employees now face the challenge of finding new opportunities in a competitive job market. As the gaming community rallies around them, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the future of Marvel Rivals and the broader industry.

Games, Gaming, News

Marvel Rivals gains first main event after beating the 20 million users’ mark

Since its launch just a few weeks ago, Marvel Rivals has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing an impressive 20 million players! Developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Disney’s Marvel Games, this superhero team-based player versus player (PVP) shooter has quickly become a favorite among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and comic book enthusiasts alike.

Rapid Rise to Fame

Marvel Rivals hit the 10 million player mark within just 72 hours of its release. This rapid growth is a testament to the game’s engaging gameplay and the enduring popularity of Marvel superheroes. The game features iconic MCU heroes like Iron Man, Hulk, and Scarlet Witch, alongside comic book favorites such as Cloak and Dagger, Iron Fist, and Squirrel Girl.

Celebrating Success

To celebrate reaching 20 million players, NetEase Games has introduced a special celebratory spray featuring Galactica, which players can earn by logging in between December 20th, 2024, and January 10th, 2025. This milestone is a significant achievement, especially considering the game’s fresh entry into the hero shooter genre.

Marvel Rivals offers a deep and varied roster of Marvel heroes and villains, allowing players to assemble unique teams and devise countless strategies by combining powers to form team-up skills. The game’s destructible, ever-changing battlefields keep the action fresh and exciting, ensuring that players remain engaged.

With its current success, Marvel Rivals is poised to become a major player in the competitive gaming scene. The game’s developers are already planning future updates and events to keep the momentum going, including the upcoming Winter Celebration event with new gameplay modes, hero costumes, and bountiful rewards.

Marvel Rivals has truly proven that the superhero power still reigns supreme in the gaming world. As the game continues to grow, it will be exciting to see what new heights it will reach and how it will shape the future of hero shooters.

Games, Gaming, News

Marvel Rivals Unleashes Wolverine, Black Widow, and More in Latest Trailer

Marvel Rivals, the highly anticipated hero shooter from NetEase, has just released a new trailer that reveals an incredible lineup of characters for its launch. With only a few days to go before its official release, the game is generating a lot of excitement among fans.

The latest trailer showcases Wolverine, Black Widow, Cloak & Dagger, Iron Fist, and the Unbeatable Squirrel Girl as part of the initial roster. These characters join an already impressive lineup that includes Captain America, Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, and many more. The game promises to bring the Marvel multiverse to life with its diverse cast of heroes and villains.

Marvel Rivals is a competitive multiplayer title where teams of six players battle it out in various Marvel-inspired locations. The game features dynamic environmental destruction and unique team-up abilities, making each match a thrilling experience. Players can expect fast-paced action and strategic gameplay as they fight to control payloads and capture points across different worlds.

One of the standout characters in the trailer is Black Widow, whose gameplay has been compared to Overwatch’s Widowmaker. Black Widow’s sniper skills and defensive abilities make her a formidable opponent on the battlefield3. Wolverine, with his adamantium claws and healing factor, brings a brutal melee combat style to the game.

Marvel Rivals is set to launch on December 6, 2024, and will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (Steam and Epic Games Store). The game will be free-to-play, with a microtransaction model and battle pass system for additional content.