NetEase Issues Statement Regarding Layoffs in Western Marvel Rivals Team

Major Layoffs Hit Marvel Rivals Development Team

In a startling turn of events that reverberated throughout the gaming industry, the development team behind Marvel Rivals, published by NetEase, has recently experienced significant layoffs. This announcement comes as a shock, especially considering the game has achieved remarkable success, raking in approximately $135 million in its launch month and amassing a player base exceeding 20 million across multiple platforms.

Official Statement from NetEase

Confusion surrounded the news among fans and gamers alike, prompting us to seek clarity from NetEase. They later provided the following statement regarding these changes:

We recently made the difficult decision to adjust Marvel Rivals’ development team structure for organizational reasons and to optimize development efficiency for the game. This resulted in a reduction of a design team based in Seattle that is part of a larger global design function in support of Marvel Rivals. We appreciate the hard work and dedication of those affected and will be treating them confidentially and respectfully with recognition for their individual contributions.

NetEase emphasized their commitment to the game’s continued development. According to the company, the primary development team, led by Lead Producer Weicong Wu and Game Creative Director Guangyun Chen in Guangzhou, China, remains dedicated to enhancing the player experience. They assured fans that they are not scaling back their investment but are instead increasing resources to expand the game’s offerings.

Upcoming Content and Features

In an interesting contrast, earlier on the same day, NetEase released a press release and video update highlighting new features for the upcoming patch, dubbed Season 1.5: Eternal Night Falls, set to launch on February 21. This update will introduce iconic characters such as The Thing and Human Torch from the Fantastic Four as playable heroes. Players can also look forward to a revamped redemption system that allows them to convert surplus Chrono Tokens into Units. Additionally, the new season will include a fresh map titled ‘Empire of Eternal Night: Central Park, ’ along with various updates for competitive mode and tournament structures.

Character Introductions

Among the notable additions, the Human Torch will be classified as a Duelist, bringing fiery combat to the fray. His abilities will not only involve scorched flames but also strategic navigation throughout the city to gather resources like Chronovium.

The Thing, on the other hand, will embody the Vanguard archetype. A well-known figure in Marvel lore, Ben Grimm’s transformation into The Thing yields a character with a strong sense of duty and heroism, even as he grapples with his new form. As the city faces perpetual darkness, he takes on the role of a protector, utilizing his skills to gather Chronovium and safeguard his community.

Tournament Updates

In a positive development for the competitive scene, NetEase announced that its recent in-client tournament, the Marvel Rivals Championship (MRC), has reached full capacity for Faction registrations in North America. Following the upcoming update in Season 1, this cap will be lifted. Furthermore, a series of Marvel Rivals Invitationals (MRI) is scheduled to begin at the end of February, leading into March, further building anticipation for the forthcoming championship events.

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