NetEase Fires Director and US Devs Amid Marvel Rivals Success

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

NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers of the successful mobile game, Marvel Rivals, sparking controversy within the industry. This decision, announced on February 19, 2025, impacted several key personnel, including director Thaddeus Sasser.

Sasser's LinkedIn post expressed surprise and disappointment, highlighting the team's significant contribution to the game's launch and subsequent success. Despite the unexpected job losses, Sasser proactively began advocating for his former colleagues, showcasing their skills and experience on LinkedIn to assist them in finding new opportunities. He specifically highlighted the talents of technical designer Garry McGee, emphasizing his problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

NetEase's North American Retrenchment?

The layoffs raise questions about NetEase's broader strategic direction in North America. While the company hasn't publicly commented, industry speculation suggests a potential withdrawal from the region. This suspicion is fueled by previous events, including the termination of funding for Worlds Untold studio in November 2024 and the severed partnership with Jar of Sparks in January 2025. These actions indicate a shift in NetEase's focus away from certain North American ventures.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: New Content and Balance Changes

Despite the behind-the-scenes turmoil, Marvel Rivals continues to receive updates. The second half of Season 1, announced on February 19, 2025, via the game's YouTube channel, introduces exciting new content:

• New Heroes: The Thing and Human Torch join the roster, completing the Fantastic Four.
• New Map: Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle, adds a new battleground.
• Balance Adjustments: Significant changes are planned, including energy cost increases for characters with rapid ultimate recharge (e.g., Cloak & Dagger, Loki), survivability nerfs for certain Vanguard characters (e.g., Doctor Strange, Magneto), and buffs for movement-based Vanguards. Overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight will also receive nerfs.

A planned rank reset was initially announced but later reversed due to player feedback.

The contrast between the game's continued success and the developer layoffs highlights the complexities and uncertainties within the gaming industry. NetEase's strategic decisions remain a subject of ongoing discussion and analysis.