NetEase Fires Senior Dev Team After Marvel Rivals Flops

NetEase Games' Layoffs Despite Marvel Rivals' Success: A Strategic Shift?

NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers working on the successful mobile game, Marvel Rivals, prompting industry discussion and raising questions about NetEase's strategic direction in North America.

Layoffs Hit Marvel Rivals' US Team

On February 19th, 2025, Thaddeus Sasser, the game's director, announced on LinkedIn that he and other California-based developers had been laid off. This news came as a surprise, given Marvel Rivals' strong performance. Sasser expressed his disappointment but immediately pivoted to assisting his former colleagues in finding new employment opportunities, highlighting their skills and experience on LinkedIn. He specifically praised Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, emphasizing his problem-solving abilities and technical expertise.

NetEase's North American Strategy Under Scrutiny

The game's development involved two teams – one in China and one in Seattle. While Sasser's team focused on game and level design, the unexpected layoffs suggest a broader shift in NetEase's approach to North American studios. Although NetEase hasn't commented publicly, industry speculation points to a potential retreat from the North American market. This is fueled by previous events, including the withdrawal of funding from Worlds Untold in November 2024 and the termination of their partnership with Jar of Sparks in January 2025.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Second Half

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals continues to receive updates. The second half of Season 1, announced on February 19th, 2025, on the game's YouTube channel, features exciting new content:

• New Heroes: The Thing and Human Torch join the roster, completing the Fantastic Four.
• New Map: Central Park, now featuring Dracula's castle, adds a new battleground.
• Balance Adjustments: Significant changes are planned, including adjustments to ultimate recharge speeds for certain characters and modifications to Vanguard character survivability. A planned rank reset was announced but later reversed due to player feedback.

The future of NetEase's presence in North America remains uncertain, but the continued development and updates for Marvel Rivals suggest the game will continue despite the recent setbacks and personnel changes.