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

NetEase Games' Strategic Shift Impacts North American Studios

Layoffs at Marvel Rivals Despite Game's Success

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. This news came as a surprise, given the game's recent success. Sasser expressed his disappointment but immediately began advocating for his former team members on LinkedIn, actively seeking new employment opportunities for them. He highlighted the skills and contributions of individuals like Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, emphasizing their value to potential employers.

NetEase's Controversial North American Strategy

Marvel Rivals was a collaborative effort between teams in China and Seattle. While Sasser's team played a crucial role in game and level design, the layoffs suggest a broader strategic shift within NetEase. While NetEase offered no official explanation, industry speculation points to a potential withdrawal from the North American market. This is supported by previous actions, including the termination of funding for Worlds Untold and the dissolution of their partnership with Jar of Sparks.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Second Half

New Content and Balance Adjustments

The second half of Season 1 is launching with exciting new content, including the addition of The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four roster. A new map, Central Park featuring Dracula's castle, will also be introduced. Balance adjustments, spearheaded by Guangguang and Zhiyong, will address the current meta, including changes to ultimate recharge costs for certain characters and adjustments to Vanguard character survivability and mobility.

Despite initial plans for a rank reset, community feedback led to the developers reversing this decision. This highlights the responsiveness of the development team to player concerns.