Marvel Rivals: NetEase Assures Fans Amid Layoffs of Seattle Design Team

NetEase, the developer behind the popular game Marvel Rivals, has recently announced layoffs affecting its Seattle-based design team, citing "organizational reasons." This decision has sent ripples through the video game development community, especially given the game's significant success since its launch in December.

Thaddeus Sasser, the game director for Marvel Rivals, shared the news of his team's layoffs on LinkedIn, expressing his surprise and frustration. "This is such a weird industry," Sasser remarked, highlighting the irony of being laid off after contributing to the successful launch of a new franchise. He called on the community to help find new opportunities for his talented team, emphasizing the need for support during these challenging times.

Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play hero shooter, has achieved remarkable milestones with over 20 million downloads and impressive concurrent player numbers on Steam. Sasser's team, which specialized in game and level design, played a crucial role in shaping the game's direction over the past few years.

In response to inquiries, NetEase provided a statement to IGN, confirming the layoffs but not specifying the number of affected employees. The company explained that the decision was made to optimize development efficiency and adjust the team structure. NetEase assured that the layoffs would not impact the ongoing support for Marvel Rivals, emphasizing that the primary development team in China remains fully committed to the game's future.

"We want to reassure our fanbase that the core development team for Marvel Rivals, led by Lead Producer Weicong Wu and Game Creative Director Guangyun Chen in Guangzhou, China, remains fully committed to delivering an exceptional experience," NetEase stated. The company also affirmed its continued investment in the game, promising new characters, maps, features, and content to enhance the live service experience for players worldwide.

This latest round of layoffs at NetEase is part of a broader trend, as the company has scaled back its overseas investments and closed studios in the U.S. and Japan. Notable closures include Ouka Studios, the developer of Visions of Mana, and Worlds Untold, led by Mass Effect veteran Mac Walters, which paused operations after a split with NetEase. Additionally, Jar of Sparks, founded by Halo and Destiny 2 veteran Jerry Hook, was shuttered in January 2022.

The gaming community continues to react with a mix of shock and anger to these developments, underscoring the challenges faced by developers in an ever-changing industry.