NetEase Aims to Highlight MCU-Excluded Characters Through Marvel Rivals Leaks

As the player base for Marvel Rivals continues to surge, the game has faced increasing challenges with leaks revealing future content from NetEase, possibly stretching into the next year based on the length of Season 1. These leaks have plagued Marvel Rivals even before its launch. However, following a highly successful debut and a reliable uptick in the number of players, halting this flow of information appears unlikely. Insights into upcoming characters from future seasons are becoming commonplace, leading fans to speculate not on who will be added next, but when.

The selection of characters being introduced is particularly intriguing. NetEase has opted for a blend of notable and relatively obscure superheroes, rather than solely sticking to mainstream figures. Though the popularity of Marvel’s intellectual property draws attention, Marvel Rivals features many lesser-known characters that could serve as introductions for a broader audience. Characters like Jeff the Land Shark, Luna Snow, and Cloak and Dagger are prime examples, and it seems NetEase is aware of the potential to expand the public’s familiarity with the Marvel universe.

New Marvel Rivals Leaks Highlight Obscure Characters

Along with Some Iconic Figures

According to reliable leak source X0XLeak, upcoming roster additions include Professor X, Jia Jiang, Paste Pot Pete, Colossus, and Locus. While Professor X and Colossus are well-known figures from X-Men lore, many players may be unfamiliar with Jia Jiang, Locus, and the whimsically named Paste Pot Pete. This showcases NetEase’s approach to integrating obscure characters based on their unique potential rather than immediate name recognition.

Specifically, Jia Jiang, relating to the character Jiang Li introduced in Marvel’s 2021 Shang-Chi comics, represents newer additions to the Marvel mythos. Locus, a member of the Mutant Liberation Front, also highlights this trend. Paste Pot Pete, originally introduced in 1962 by Stan Lee, originally appeared as a lower-tier villain in ‘Strange Tales’ before being rebranded as Trapster in 1965. This historical richness adds depth to the character selection process.

Even as new characters are identified, there remains a conspicuous absence of many beloved figures in the gameplay pipeline. Although characters like Ultron and Blade have been hinted at, key X-Men such as Gambit, Rogue, Cyclops, and Jean Grey have yet to be mentioned. This gap extends to several well-known characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) like Ant-Man, Thanos, and Wasp, who remain unconfirmed for the game, showcasing NetEase’s expansive development approach.

Marvel Rivals: A Unique Character Strategy

NetEase’s Choice Beyond MCU Popularity

Marvel Rivals Jeff the Land Shark new MVP animation in Cuddly Fuzzlefin Winter Celebration event skin

At the initial launch of Marvel Rivals, the character roster had the potential to raise eyebrows among gamers. While it undoubtedly included iconic Avengers such as Thor, Iron Man, and Black Widow, it also featured lesser-known superheroes like Magik and Psylocke, along with quirky inclusions such as Jeff the Land Shark. This strategy reflects that Marvel Rivals has vast creative freedoms with the Marvel brand, allowing a diverse mix of characters, well beyond those popularized through movies and TV.

Psylocke’s standard appearance in the game appears to be influenced by her comic iteration in ‘Demon Days X-Men’, emphasizing the commitment to authenticity in character presentation. Rather than solely relying on household names to secure early popularity, NetEase’s decision to incorporate a range of known and niche characters allowed the game to resonate with both casual gamers and dedicated fans. Notably, the impact of a diverse roster is corroborated by the impressive achievement of attracting over 20 million players within just two weeks post-launch.

Characters like Luna Snow and Jeff the Land Shark showcase how less prominent figures can blossom into fan favorites through exposure in games. Originally crafted for the mobile game Marvel Future Fight, Luna Snow later starred in ‘Agents of Atlas’, yet her status as a viral sensation can be attributed largely to Marvel Rivals. Following suit is Jeff, whose character emerged during a Gwenpool comic series and has gained a significant fanbase due to his role in the game.

The Value of Diversity in Character Selection

Expanding Popularity to More Characters

Marvel Rivals FF4 — Custom image by Katarina Cimbaljevic

The diversification of characters in Marvel Rivals is beneficial for both the game and its players. Historical context illustrates how characters like Ant-Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy transitioned from obscurity to prominence thanks to the MCU. Marvel Rivals appears to mirror this trajectory for its unique characters, including Luna Snow and Jeff the Land Shark, with upcoming additions like Hit-Monkey also standing to gain from increased visibility.

This strategy allows NetEase to release characters that align with the game’s design ethos, facilitating a balance between mainstream appeal and niche interests. Popular figures are indeed on the way, with The Fantastic Four leading the charge post-launch. However, the focus on emerging characters lets players explore new favorites rather than solely relying on established legends.

While players may have to exercise patience waiting for famous heroes like Thanos, Ant-Man, or Carnage, it creates an opportunity for discovering unexpected favorites. For instance, players who intended to main Wolverine or Spider-Man might find themselves captivated by characters like Magik or Psylocke. Marvel Rivals is on track to introduce beloved heroes while promoting new ones, ensuring a thrilling experience for both casual gamers and franchise veterans.

Source: X0XLeak/Leak

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