Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Disables Mods

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Cracks Down on Mods

The Season 1 update for Marvel Rivals has reportedly disabled the use of custom-made mods, a popular pastime among players since the game's launch. While not explicitly announced, players discovered their mods no longer function, reverting characters to their default appearances.

This action, though unsurprising given NetEase's clear terms of service prohibiting mods, has disappointed some players. The company previously banned individual mods, including one featuring Donald Trump's likeness replacing Captain America's. The Season 1 update appears to have implemented hash checking, a technique verifying data authenticity, effectively eliminating widespread modding.

The impact on the Marvel Rivals community is significant. Mod creators have expressed frustration, sharing unreleased creations now rendered obsolete. While some mods contained provocative content, including nude skins, the primary driver behind NetEase's decision likely stems from the game's free-to-play business model. Marvel Rivals relies heavily on in-game purchases of character bundles containing cosmetic items. Free, custom mods could severely undermine the game's profitability.

In short, the removal of mod support is a calculated business decision, prioritizing the game's financial viability over user-generated content. The Season 1 update, featuring The Fantastic Four as playable characters, a new Battle Pass, maps, and a Doom Match mode, now comes with a stricter policy regarding modification.