Marvel Rivals Update: Mods Temporarily Disabled

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Cracks Down on Mods

The Season 1 update for Marvel Rivals has reportedly disabled the use of custom-made mods, a popular practice among players since the game's launch. While not explicitly announced, players discovered their mods no longer function, reverting characters to their default appearances.

NetEase Games, the developer, has consistently stated that mod usage violates the game's terms of service, even for cosmetic modifications. Previous instances of action against specific mods, including one featuring Donald Trump, foreshadowed this broader move. The Season 1 update likely incorporates hash checking, a technique to verify data authenticity and prevent unauthorized modifications.

The elimination of modding capabilities isn't entirely surprising. Beyond the terms of service, NetEase's business model relies heavily on in-game purchases of cosmetic items like character skins and sprays. Free, custom-made mods could significantly impact the game's profitability.

While some players express disappointment over the loss of customizable content, and creators mourn unreleased mods, the decision reflects a common strategy in free-to-play games to protect revenue streams generated through in-app purchases. The controversy surrounding some provocative mods, including nude skins, may have also contributed to the decision.