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

NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers from the successful Marvel Rivals team, prompting questions about the company's strategic direction. This article details the layoffs and the upcoming Season 1 update.

NetEase's Strategic Shift Impacts North American Studios

Marvel Rivals US Devs Laid Off

On February 19, 2025, Thaddeus Sasser, director of Marvel Rivals, announced on LinkedIn that he and other California-based developers had been laid off by NetEase Games. Despite the game's success, Sasser noted the unexpected nature of the layoffs, highlighting the team's contributions to launching a successful new franchise. He proactively began promoting his former team members on LinkedIn, seeking to help them find new employment opportunities. He specifically highlighted Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, praising his skills and recommending him highly.

Sasser's actions suggest a personal commitment to supporting his laid-off colleagues in their job search.

NetEase's Controversial North American Decisions

Marvel Rivals was developed by teams in China and Seattle. While Sasser's team played a crucial role in game and level design, the layoffs highlight the instability within the industry, affecting even successful projects. NetEase has offered no public explanation for the layoffs. However, industry rumors suggest a broader withdrawal from North America. This is supported by NetEase's previous actions, including withdrawing funding from Worlds Untold in November 2024 and ending its partnership with Jar of Sparks in January 2025.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Second Half

New Heroes, Maps, and Balance Changes

Marvel Rivals has announced a substantial update for the second half of Season 1, featuring new heroes, maps, balance adjustments, and tournaments. The update, spearheaded by creative director Guangguang and lead combat designer Zhiyong, introduces The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four roster, and a new map: Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle.

Balance adjustments, effective February 21, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PDT), target the triple-strategist meta, increasing energy costs for characters with quick ultimate recharges. Changes also affect Vanguard character survivability and movement, with nerfs to overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight.

A planned rank reset was subsequently removed due to negative player feedback. Further details on this can be found in a related article.