Marvel Rivals' Success Doesn't Stop NetEase From Firing Director and Other US Devs

NetEase Games has unexpectedly laid off US-based developers from the successful Marvel Rivals team. This surprising move follows the game's positive reception and raises questions about NetEase's strategic direction.

NetEase's Shifting Strategy Impacts North American Studios

Marvel Rivals US Team Laid Off

Thaddeus Sasser, the director of Marvel Rivals, announced on LinkedIn on February 19, 2025, that he and other California-based developers had been laid off by NetEase Games. Despite the game's success, the team found themselves unexpectedly unemployed. Sasser's LinkedIn post highlights the team's significant contributions to launching the Marvel Rivals franchise. He expressed his surprise and disappointment but immediately pivoted to advocating for his former team members, actively seeking new employment opportunities for them on the platform. He specifically highlighted the talents of Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, offering strong endorsements and recommendations.

NetEase's Controversial North American Decisions

Marvel Rivals was a collaborative effort between teams in China and Seattle. While Sasser's team focused on game and level design, their contributions were crucial to the game's success. The layoffs highlight the instability within the industry, impacting even successful projects. NetEase has remained silent on the reasons behind the layoffs, but industry rumors suggest a broader withdrawal from North American operations. This speculation is fueled by previous actions, including the withdrawal of financial backing from Worlds Untold in November 2024 and the termination of their partnership with Jar of Sparks in January 2025.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Second Half

New Heroes, Maps, and Balance Adjustments

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals continues to evolve. The second half of Season 1 brings exciting new content, including the addition of The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four roster. A new map, Central Park (featuring Dracula's castle!), adds a fresh environment to the gameplay.

Lead combat designer Zhiyong detailed balance adjustments following the first half of Season 1, concluding February 21, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PDT). Key changes include energy cost increases for characters with rapid ultimate recharge and adjustments to Vanguard character survivability and movement. Overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight are also receiving nerfs. Notably, a planned rank reset was later removed due to negative player feedback. For more details on this, check out [this article]!