Despite its growing popularity, NetEase Games has made headlines by laying off key developers from its Marvel Rivals team in the United States. Thaddeus Sasser, the game’s director, announced via LinkedIn on February 19, 2025, that he and several other California-based developers were let go. Sasser expressed surprise at the move, highlighting his team’s significant contributions to the game’s success.
Even as Marvel Rivals continues to thrive, NetEase has faced criticism for its recent strategic shifts in North America. The company quietly terminated its support for Worlds Untold in November 2024 and dissolved its partnership with Jar of Sparks earlier this year. Sasser has taken to LinkedIn to advocate for his former colleagues, offering endorsements and recommendations to potential employers.
Looking ahead, Marvel Rivals is set to revitalize its Season 1 with fresh content. Creative director Guangguang and lead combat designer Zhiyong have teased exciting updates, including the introduction of iconic characters like The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four roster. Central Park, a new map inspired by New York City, will serve as a dramatic backdrop featuring Dracula’s ominous castle.
Balance adjustments are also in store, with a focus on tweaking the meta. Quick-recharge characters such as Cloak & Dagger and Loki will face increased energy costs, altering their playstyles. Meanwhile, some Vanguard characters like Doctor Strange and Magnet will see reduced survivability, while others like Storm and Moon Knight will undergo nerfs. Fans were initially disappointed when plans to reset player rankings were announced, but the developers decided against this change.
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