NetEase Games has laid off Marvel Rivals’ US-based developers despite the game’s success. Read on to learn more about this story and the upcoming update for the second half of Marvel Rivals’ Season 1!
NetEase Strategic Business Shift Affects Studios in North America
Marvel Rivals US-Based Devs Laid Off by NetEase
On February 19, 2025, Thaddeus Sasser, the director of Marvel Rivals, announced on LinkedIn that he, along with other California-based developers, had been laid off by NetEase Games. Sasser expressed his frustration, stating, "This is such a weird industry. My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games...and were just laid off!"
Despite the setback, Sasser remained proactive, using his LinkedIn platform to help his former team members find new opportunities. He highlighted Garry McGee, the game’s technical designer, praising his skills and dedication. Sasser wrote, "During the course of the project, Garry was fantastic to work with. This is a highly technical designer - currently working in level design, but I've seen his passion project! - who is a proactive problem solver." He further endorsed McGee, stating, "If I had a role I'd hire him again instantly."
Sasser’s efforts to support his team reflect his commitment to their future, as he plans to individually pitch for each of his former colleagues, hoping to secure them new positions.
NetEase, Despite Its Success, Made Controversial Moves in North America
Marvel Rivals was developed collaboratively by teams in China and Seattle, USA. Sasser’s team focused on game and level design, while the Chinese team managed other aspects of development. However, their crucial contributions did not shield them from the layoffs affecting the industry, even for successful games like Marvel Rivals.
NetEase has not disclosed the reasons behind these layoffs, but a Bungie employee suggested that the company is beginning to withdraw from North America. This move follows NetEase's decision in November 2024 to cut financial support to Worlds Untold, a studio led by a former Mass Effect writer. Additionally, on January 7, 2025, NetEase terminated its partnership with Jar of Sparks, leaving the developers to seek a new publishing partner.
Marvel Rivals Second Half of Season 1 Update
New Heroes, Maps, and More!
The second half of Marvel Rivals’ Season 1 is set to launch with exciting new content, including new heroes, maps, and balance adjustments, as announced on the game's YouTube channel on February 19, 2025. Led by creative director Guangguang and lead combat designer Zhiyong, this update introduces The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four lineup, and a new map set in Central Park, now featuring Dracula’s castle.
Zhiyong detailed the balance adjustments following the conclusion of the first half of Season 1 on February 21, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PDT). Notable changes include increasing the energy cost for characters with rapid ultimate recharge, like Cloak & Dagger and Loki, to shake up the competitive meta. Additionally, the survivability of some Vanguard characters, such as Doctor Strange and Magneto, will be reduced, while certain movement-type Vanguards will receive boosts. Overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight are set for nerfs as the game progresses into the second half of Season 1.
An initially planned rank reset, which would have dropped all player ranks by four divisions, has been scrapped due to fan backlash. This decision reflects the developers' responsiveness to community feedback, ensuring a more enjoyable gaming experience. For more details on this update, check out this article!
