Marvel Rivals, a highly successful team-based shooter, launched in late 2024, attracting over 20 million players in its first month. However, the Seattle development team at NetEase Games recently faced layoffs despite the game’s success. Speculation surrounds this decision, with hints of a strategic shift within the company. Additionally, security concerns have emerged, with reports of vulnerabilities potentially threatening player computers. Future developments include a possible port to the upcoming Switch 2 console.
Marvel Rivals Hits the Market with a Bang
In late 2024, the gaming world welcomed the much-anticipated release of Marvel Rivals, captivating audiences globally! This team-based shooter has achieved monumental success, attracting millions of players eager to engage in thrilling online competitions. Fans of the Marvel universe can step into the shoes of their beloved superheroes and supervillains, engaging in action-packed battles. As we entered 2025, the debut of the first season, featuring the Fantastic Four, breathed new life into the excitement surrounding the game. However, it seems that the studios behind this blockbuster are currently grappling with a crisis, leading to some unfortunate layoffs…
Recent Layoffs at Marvel Rivals Studios
Located in Seattle, USA, the talented American team at NetEase Games, led by game design expert Thaddeus Sasser, was instrumental in the development and level design of Marvel Rivals. This dynamic group also played a key role in the Research & Development phase of the game. Recently, Thaddeus Sasser revealed via a LinkedIn post that the entire development team in the United States has faced layoffs. He expressed his dismay, stating: *’It’s such a weird industry. My brilliant and talented team just contributed to creating an incredibly successful new franchise, Marvel Rivals, for NetEase Games… and they just got laid off!’*
This unexpected news comes as a surprise, especially considering the remarkable commercial success of Marvel Rivals, which has attracted over 20 million players and generated over 130 million dollars in its launch month. Although NetEase has not disclosed the exact number of employees affected, they confirmed that no developers from the Seattle branch remain involved with Marvel Rivals. The company reassured fans that the development team based in China is still actively working on the game and is committed to its ongoing evolution and growth.
The Reason Behind the Layoffs
With Marvel Rivals thriving, many are left questioning the reasoning behind NetEase’s decision to downsize its American team. As of now, the company has not provided an official explanation. Speculation among users suggests that this may have been part of a premeditated strategy: launch Marvel Rivals and subsequently reduce the operating team.
The American division has been facing challenges for several months, prompting NetEase to reevaluate its projects in the region. In November 2024, the company ceased funding for the newly established studios, Worlds Untold, and canceled the project Jar of Sparks in January. This indicates a shift in focus, as NetEase appears to be streamlining its workforce to concentrate on its primary operations. However, the reality remains stark: even in an industry that has fortified its defenses, fresh layoffs have impacted the developers of a highly successful game.
Despite advancements in game security, vulnerabilities still exist, and some hackers continue to exploit these weaknesses. Unfortunately, this appears to be the case with Marvel Rivals, which is reportedly experiencing a security flaw that could potentially threaten users’ computers.
Exciting possibilities are on the horizon for Marvel Rivals, particularly with the new capabilities of the Switch 2. Developers are contemplating a potential port to Nintendo’s upcoming console, especially if the ‘mouse’ feature delivers on its promises.