Marvel Rivals' Success Doesn't Stop NetEase From Firing Director and Other US Devs

NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers from the successful Marvel Rivals team, prompting questions about the company's strategic direction. This article delves into the layoffs and the upcoming Season 1 update.

NetEase's Strategic Shift Impacts North American Studios

Marvel Rivals US Devs Laid Off

On February 19, 2025, Thaddeus Sasser, director of Marvel Rivals, announced on LinkedIn that he and other California-based developers had been laid off by NetEase Games. This news came as a surprise, given the game's recent success. Sasser highlighted his team's significant contributions to launching a successful new franchise and expressed his commitment to helping his team find new employment opportunities. He specifically championed Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, praising his skills and recommending him highly to potential employers.

This proactive approach suggests Sasser intends to personally advocate for each team member's placement.

NetEase's Controversial North American Moves

Marvel Rivals was developed collaboratively by teams in China and Seattle. While Sasser's team played a crucial role in game and level design, the layoffs highlight a broader trend. Although NetEase hasn't commented publicly, reports suggest a potential withdrawal from the North American market. This is supported by previous events, including the withdrawal of financial backing from Worlds Untold in November 2024 and the termination of the partnership with Jar of Sparks in January 2025.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Second Half

New Heroes, Maps, and Balance Changes

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals continues to receive updates. The second half of Season 1, announced on February 19, 2025, via the game's YouTube channel, introduces new heroes (The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four), a new map (Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle), and balance adjustments.

Lead combat designer Zhiyong detailed balance changes, including energy cost increases for characters with quick ultimate recharges (like Cloak & Dagger and Loki), survivability nerfs for certain Vanguard characters (Doctor Strange and Magnet), and buffs for movement-focused Vanguards. Overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight are also receiving nerfs. A planned rank reset was later removed following player feedback. For more details on this, see [this article]([link to article]).