NetEase Fires Director After Marvel Rivals' Success

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

NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers from the successful Marvel Rivals, sparking controversy within the industry. This article explores the details of the layoffs and the upcoming Season 1 update.

NetEase's Strategic Retreat from North America?

The layoff announcement, made public via LinkedIn by Marvel Rivals' director, Thaddeus Sasser, on February 19, 2025, revealed the dismissal of Sasser and other California-based team members. Despite the game's considerable success, the team found themselves unemployed. Sasser's proactive response included using LinkedIn to help his former colleagues find new positions, highlighting their skills and experience. He specifically championed Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, emphasizing his problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

The layoffs raise questions about NetEase's broader strategy in North America. While the company hasn't commented publicly, industry speculation suggests a potential withdrawal from the region. This is supported by previous events, including the termination of funding for Worlds Untold studio in November 2024 and the January 7, 2025, end of their partnership with Jar of Sparks.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: New Content and Balance Changes

Despite the internal restructuring, Marvel Rivals continues to receive updates. The second half of Season 1, as announced on the game's YouTube channel on February 19, 2025, features exciting new additions:

• New Heroes: The Thing and Human Torch join the roster, completing the Fantastic Four.
• New Map: Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle, provides a fresh battleground.
• Balance Adjustments: Significant changes are coming, including energy cost increases for characters with fast ultimate recharges (like Cloak & Dagger and Loki), reduced survivability for some Vanguard characters (Doctor Strange and Magnet), and nerfs to overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight. A planned rank reset was later reversed due to player feedback.

The update, spearheaded by creative director Guangguang and lead combat designer Zhiyong, aims to revitalize the competitive landscape. The reversal of the rank reset demonstrates responsiveness to player concerns. The future direction of NetEase's North American operations remains uncertain, however, the ongoing development and updates for Marvel Rivals suggest continued investment in the game itself.