NetEase Fires Director and US Devs Despite Marvel Rivals' Success

Despite the soaring success of Marvel Rivals, NetEase Games has made the surprising decision to lay off the game's US-based developers. Dive into this article to uncover the details behind these layoffs and get a sneak peek at the exciting updates planned 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, along with other California-based developers, were laid off by NetEase Games. Sasser expressed his frustration, stating, "This is such a weird industry. 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 remained proactive, using LinkedIn to help his former colleagues find new employment. He highlighted the skills of Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, praising his problem-solving abilities and level design expertise. Sasser's endorsement was clear: "If I had a role I'd hire him again instantly." His dedication to finding new opportunities for his team showcases his leadership and commitment to their careers.

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

Marvel Rivals was a collaborative effort between development teams in China and Seattle, USA. While Sasser's team focused on game and level design, the Chinese team managed other aspects of the game's development. However, their critical contributions did not shield them from the industry-wide layoffs, even for a successful title like Marvel Rivals.

NetEase has remained silent on the reasons behind the layoffs, but a Bungie employee hinted at the company's possible withdrawal from North America. This speculation seems supported by NetEase's earlier decisions, such as pulling financial support from Worlds Untold studio in November 2024 and ending its partnership with Jar of Sparks on January 7, 2025, leaving the developers to seek new publishing partners.

Marvel Rivals Second Half of Season 1 Update

New Heroes, Maps, and More!

The second half of Marvel Rivals' Season 1 promises exciting new content, as announced on the game's YouTube channel on February 19, 2025. Led by creative director Guangguang and lead combat designer Zhiyong, the update introduces The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four lineup. A new map, Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle, adds a fresh battleground to the game.

Zhiyong also detailed significant balance adjustments effective from February 21, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PDT). These changes aim to shake up the competitive scene by increasing the energy cost for characters with quick ultimate recharge, such as Cloak & Dagger and Loki. Additionally, some Vanguard characters like Doctor Strange and Magneto will see reduced survivability, while movement-type Vanguards will receive boosts. Overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight are set for nerfs as the game progresses into the second half of Season 1.

One planned change that stirred controversy was the proposed rank reset, which would have dropped all players' ranks by four divisions. Due to fan backlash, the Marvel Rivals team decided to scrap this mechanic, ensuring a smoother transition into the second half of the season. For more details on this decision, check out this article!