NetEase Games' Controversial Layoffs Despite Marvel Rivals' Success
NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers of the successful mobile game, Marvel Rivals, sparking controversy within the industry. This decision comes despite the game's positive reception and strong performance.
Layoffs Hit Marvel Rivals Leadership
Thaddeus Sasser, the game's director, announced on LinkedIn that he and other California-based developers were let go. This unexpected move followed the team's successful launch of Marvel Rivals, a new franchise for NetEase Games. Sasser expressed his surprise and disappointment, highlighting the team's significant contributions. He's now actively using his LinkedIn profile to help his former colleagues find new employment opportunities, showcasing their talents and skills. One example is his endorsement of Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, emphasizing McGee's problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.
NetEase's Shifting North American Strategy
The layoffs are part of a broader shift in NetEase's North American strategy. While the company hasn't publicly commented on the reasons behind the layoffs, industry rumors suggest a strategic retreat from the North American market. This is supported by previous events, including the withdrawal of financial support for Worlds Untold studio and the termination of their partnership with Jar of Sparks. Despite the success of Marvel Rivals, the US-based development team was impacted by this larger corporate decision.
Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: New Content and Balance Changes
Despite the internal restructuring, Marvel Rivals continues to receive updates. The second half of Season 1 is launching with exciting new additions, including:
- New Heroes: The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four roster.
- New Map: Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle.
- Balance Adjustments: Changes to address the current meta, including adjustments to ultimate recharge speeds for certain characters and survivability tweaks for Vanguard heroes. A planned rank reset was ultimately scrapped due to player feedback.
The update highlights the continued development efforts by the remaining team, even amidst the recent layoffs. The contrast between the game's success and the developer layoffs underscores the complexities and challenges within the video game industry.
