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

NetEase Games' recent layoff of US-based developers working on the successful Marvel Rivals has sent shockwaves through the industry. Despite the game's positive reception, the company has let go of key personnel, including the game director. This move follows a pattern of strategic shifts by NetEase in North America, raising questions about their future presence in the region.

NetEase's Strategic Shift Impacts North American Studios

Marvel Rivals US Team Laid Off

Thaddeus Sasser, director of Marvel Rivals, announced on LinkedIn on February 19, 2025, that he and several other California-based developers had been laid off. He highlighted the team's significant contribution to the game's success, adding a layer of surprise and frustration to the news. Instead of dwelling on the negative, Sasser proactively began endorsing his former colleagues on LinkedIn, actively seeking new employment opportunities for them. He specifically highlighted Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, praising his skills and recommending him highly to potential employers.

This suggests a concerted effort by Sasser to help his team find new positions, showcasing the strong bonds within the development team despite the unfortunate circumstances.

NetEase's Controversial North American Decisions

Marvel Rivals was developed collaboratively by teams in China and Seattle. While Sasser's team focused on game and level design, the Chinese team handled other aspects of development. Despite their crucial role, the team was not immune to the recent industry-wide layoffs. NetEase has offered no official explanation for the layoffs, but rumors circulating amongst industry professionals suggest a potential withdrawal from the North American market. This is further supported by previous actions, including the withdrawal of funding from Worlds Untold studio in November 2024 and the termination of their partnership with Jar of Sparks in January 2025.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Second Half

New Heroes, Maps, and Balance Changes

Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, Marvel Rivals continues to receive updates. The second half of Season 1 is bringing 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, adds a spooky new location to explore.

Lead combat designer Zhiyong announced balance adjustments, focusing on energy costs for characters with quick ultimate recharges, and changes to the survivability of certain Vanguard characters. Overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight will also receive nerfs. Notably, a planned rank reset was scrapped following negative feedback from the community.

The update highlights the ongoing development efforts despite the recent layoffs, showcasing a commitment to the game's future even amidst internal restructuring.