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

NetEase Games has made the surprising decision to lay off the US-based developers of Marvel Rivals, despite the game's notable success. This move comes as part of a broader strategic business shift affecting their studios in North America. Delve deeper into this story and get the scoop on the upcoming update for the second half of Marvel Rivals' Season 1!

NetEase Strategic Business Shift Affects Studios in North America

Marvel Rivals US-Based Devs Laid Off by NetEase

On February 19, 2025, Thaddeus Sasser, the director of Marvel Rivals, announced on LinkedIn that he and other California-based developers were laid off by NetEase Games. "This is such a weird industry," Sasser shared. "My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games...and were just laid off!"

Despite the setback, Sasser took to LinkedIn to champion his former colleagues, aiming to help them secure new opportunities. "Oh well! Times are tough all over - Let's find these incredible people new jobs, because we all need to eat, right?" he remarked.

He began by spotlighting Garry McGee, the game's technical designer. "During the course of the project, Garry was fantastic to work with. This is a highly technical designer - currently working in level design, but I've seen his passion project! - who is a proactive problem solver." Sasser praised McGee's skills and dedication, emphasizing that he would rehire him in a heartbeat if possible.

Sasser's proactive approach to assisting his former team members underscores his commitment to their future, showcasing his leadership even in the face of personal career challenges.

NetEase, Despite Its Success, Made Controversial Moves in North America

Marvel Rivals was crafted by dual development teams in China and Seattle, USA. Sasser's team focused on game and level design, contributing significantly to the game's success. However, this did not shield them from the sweeping layoffs affecting the gaming industry.

NetEase has remained silent on the reasons behind these layoffs, but a Bungie employee suggested that the company might be scaling back its operations in North America. This speculation gained traction after NetEase withdrew financial support from Worlds Untold studio in November 2024, followed by the termination of its partnership with Jar of Sparks on January 7, 2025, leaving the developers in search of new publishing partners.

Marvel Rivals Second Half of Season 1 Update

New Heroes, Maps, and More!

As Marvel Rivals gears up for the second half of Season 1, exciting updates await players, as detailed on the game's YouTube channel on February 19, 2025. Led by creative director Guangguang and lead combat designer Zhiyong, the update introduces new heroes and maps, alongside balance adjustments and tournaments.

The update officially reveals The Thing and Human Torch, rounding out the Fantastic Four roster. A new map, Central Park, transforms New York's beloved green space into a battleground, now featuring Dracula's ominous castle.

Zhiyong announced that balance changes would follow the conclusion of the first half of Season 1 on February 21, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PDT). These adjustments include increasing the energy cost for characters with fast ultimate recharge abilities, such as Cloak & Dagger and Loki, to shake up the competitive meta. Some Vanguard characters like Doctor Strange and Magneto will see reduced survivability, while others will receive boosts to enhance gameplay dynamics. Overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight are set for nerfs as the game transitions into the next phase of Season 1.

One planned change that didn't make it into the update was the rank reset, which would have dropped all players' ranks by four divisions. This decision was reversed following fan feedback, demonstrating Marvel Rivals' responsiveness to its community. For more on this, you can explore the full details in this article!