NetEase Games Issues Warning: Marvel Rivals Modders Face Bans
NetEase Games, developer and publisher of the popular team shooter Marvel Rivals, has issued a stern warning to players using mods. The company explicitly stated that any modification of the game, regardless of whether it's cosmetic or provides an in-game advantage, violates the terms of service and risks a permanent ban.
This warning follows the launch of Season 1, which included hero adjustments, the addition of Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic (with Human Torch and The Thing to follow), and an attempt to deter modding by checking game asset hashes. Despite this, workarounds quickly emerged, allowing players to circumvent these anti-modding measures. One such mod, available on Nexus Mods, bypasses the hash check; its creator, Prafit, explicitly warns users of the potential ban risk. Another mod, created by Ercuallo and highlighted by RivalsLeaks on Twitter, even allows players to transform Mister Fantastic into One Piece's Luffy.
While NetEase Games hasn't publicly confirmed any bans for modding yet, the company's stance remains firm. Although some mods, including one featuring Donald Trump, have been removed from Nexus Mods, Prafit's workaround persists, boasting over 500 downloads.
The situation highlights the ongoing conflict between developers striving to maintain game integrity and players seeking modifications. While Marvel Rivals has experienced issues with false bans, NetEase Games has clearly defined the consequences of violating the terms of service. The future impact of this warning and potential enforcement remains to be seen. The game, nominated for Online Game of the Year at the upcoming DICE Awards 2025, continues to enjoy popularity despite these challenges.