Marvel Rivals Update: Mods Disabled

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Cracks Down on Mods

The Season 1 update for Marvel Rivals has reportedly disabled the use of custom-made mods, a popular pastime among players since the game's launch. While not explicitly announced, players discovered their mods are no longer functional, reverting characters to their default appearances.

NetEase Games, the developer, has consistently stated that mod usage violates the game's terms of service, even for cosmetic modifications. Previous actions included banning specific mods, such as one featuring Donald Trump's likeness. The Season 1 update appears to have implemented hash checking, a technique verifying data authenticity, effectively eliminating widespread modding.

This move, while not surprising given NetEase's stance and prior actions, has disappointed some players who enjoyed custom content. Several creators have expressed frustration, sharing unreleased mods now rendered obsolete.

While some mods contained provocative content, including nude skins, the primary motivation behind NetEase's crackdown likely stems from the game's free-to-play business model. Marvel Rivals relies heavily on in-app purchases of character bundles containing cosmetic items. The availability of free, custom cosmetic mods could significantly impact the game's profitability. Therefore, the ban on mods is a strategic business decision to protect revenue streams. The introduction of the Fantastic Four as playable characters, a new Battle Pass, maps, and the Doom Match mode, further underscores the focus on monetization within the Season 1 content.