NetEase Games' Layoffs Despite Marvel Rivals' Success: A Strategic Shift?
NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers from the successful Marvel Rivals, sparking controversy within the industry. This follows a pattern of NetEase seemingly scaling back its North American operations.
Director Thaddeus Sasser's LinkedIn post on February 19, 2025, revealed the layoffs, highlighting the irony of a successful launch leading to job losses. Sasser, along with other California-based team members, were let go despite their significant contributions to the game's success. In a show of support, Sasser actively promoted his former colleagues on LinkedIn, seeking new employment opportunities for them. He specifically highlighted the skills and contributions of team members like Garry McGee, the game's technical designer.
NetEase's North American Retreat?
While NetEase offered no official explanation for the layoffs, industry speculation points to a strategic withdrawal from North America. This is supported 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.
Marvel Rivals, developed collaboratively by teams in China and Seattle, saw the US team focusing on game and level design. Despite their crucial role, these developers were affected by the broader industry trend of layoffs, even within successful projects.
Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: New Content and Controversial Changes
Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals continues to expand. The second half of Season 1, spearheaded by creative director Guangguang and lead combat designer Zhiyong, introduces new heroes (The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four), a new map (Central Park, featuring Dracula's castle), and balance adjustments.
Significant balance changes target the meta, increasing the energy cost for characters with quick ultimate recharges and adjusting the survivability of various Vanguard characters. However, a planned rank reset was met with negative feedback and subsequently removed.
The update, released February 21, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PDT), promises exciting new gameplay, but the controversy surrounding the layoffs casts a shadow over the game's continued success.
