Marvel Rivals’ Triumph Amidst Industry Challenges
Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play hero shooter, has captivated the gaming community. Launched by NetEase, it boasts over 20 million players and consistently sees more than 250,000 daily concurrent players on Steam. Despite this success, the team behind Marvel Rivals faces an unexpected challenge: layoffs.
Unanticipated Layoffs at NetEase
In a move that surprised many, NetEase laid off several members of its US development team, even as Marvel Rivals enjoyed widespread acclaim. Thaddeus Sasser, the game director, expressed his shock on LinkedIn, stating, “This industry is unpredictable. Our talented team delivered a successful franchise, yet faced layoffs.”
Eurogamer reached out to NetEase for further details, but the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed. However, level designers Jack Burrows and Garry McGee confirmed their departures, sharing their disappointment.
Broader Industry Challenges
The layoffs are part of a larger trend affecting NetEase’s western studios. Other projects backed by NetEase have also encountered difficulties. For example, BioWare veteran Mac Walters announced a pause in operations at Worlds Untold, while Jar of Sparks halted work on its debut title, leading to additional layoffs.
Jack Burrows lamented, “Just got laid off from my job at Marvel Rivals… couldn’t dodge the big boot.” Similarly, McGee noted the game’s unexpected success and the unfortunate layoffs that followed.
A Worrying Pattern in Gaming
The recent layoffs at Swedish developer Liquid Swords, funded by NetEase, contribute to the industry’s challenges. Since 2023, over 25,000 gaming industry employees have lost their jobs. By early 2025, another 900 layoffs were recorded, affecting companies like Unity, Hi-Rez Studios, and Ubisoft. For more on Hi-Rez Studios, visit this link.
Conclusion
The layoffs at NetEase, despite the success of Marvel Rivals, underscore the volatile nature of the gaming industry. While the game continues to flourish, the job cuts are a stark reminder of the challenges developers face. For further insights, visit Eurogamer.
Understanding these dynamics is essential for both players and developers as they navigate the ever-evolving gaming landscape. This situation invites reflection on the industry’s future and encourages readers to stay informed and engaged.
