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

NetEase Games' Layoffs Despite Marvel Rivals' Success: A Strategic Shift?

NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers from the successful Marvel Rivals, prompting questions about the company's strategic direction in North America. This unexpected move follows other controversial decisions by NetEase in the region.

Layoffs Hit Marvel Rivals Development Team

Marvel Rivals' director, Thaddeus Sasser, announced on LinkedIn the layoff of himself and other California-based team members. This occurred despite the game's considerable success. Sasser expressed surprise at the decision, highlighting the team's contribution to launching a new and successful franchise. He's now actively using LinkedIn to help his former colleagues find new employment opportunities, showcasing their talents and skills to potential employers. One example is his endorsement of Garry McGee, the game's technical designer.

NetEase's North American Strategy Under Scrutiny

The development of Marvel Rivals involved teams in both China and Seattle. While the Chinese team handled a significant portion of development, Sasser's team played a crucial role in game and level design. The layoffs raise concerns about NetEase's broader strategy in North America. Reports suggest a potential withdrawal from the region, supported by previous actions such as withdrawing funding from Worlds Untold and ending the partnership with Jar of Sparks. NetEase has yet to comment officially on the layoffs.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: New Content and Balance Changes

Despite the internal upheaval, Marvel Rivals continues to receive updates. The second half of Season 1 introduces new heroes (The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four), a new map (Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle), and balance adjustments. Lead combat designer Zhiyong detailed changes aimed at rebalancing the meta, including adjustments to ultimate recharge speeds, Vanguard character survivability, and nerfs to overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight. A planned rank reset was later scrapped due to player feedback.