NetEase Games recently laid off US-based developers from the successful Marvel Rivals team, sparking controversy within the industry. This article details the layoffs and the upcoming Season 1 update.

NetEase's Strategic Shift Impacts North American Studios

Marvel Rivals US Devs Laid Off

Thaddeus Sasser, director of Marvel Rivals, announced on LinkedIn on February 19, 2025, that he and other California-based developers were laid off by NetEase Games. Despite the game's success, the team was let go, prompting Sasser to use his LinkedIn platform to help his former colleagues find new employment opportunities. He highlighted the skills and accomplishments of individual team members, such as Garry McGee, the game's technical designer, showcasing their talents to potential employers.

This proactive approach underscores the impact of the layoffs and the industry's challenging climate.

NetEase's Controversial North American Moves

Marvel Rivals was developed by teams in China and Seattle. While Sasser's team played a crucial role in game and level design, the layoffs highlight a broader trend. NetEase's lack of official comment on the layoffs, coupled with reports of the company pulling back from North America (including withdrawing support from Worlds Untold and ending its partnership with Jar of Sparks), suggests a significant strategic shift.

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: Part Two

New Heroes, Maps, and Balance Changes

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals continues to update. The second half of Season 1, announced on the game's YouTube channel on February 19, 2025, introduces new heroes (The Thing and Human Torch, completing the Fantastic Four), a new map (Central Park featuring Dracula's castle), and balance adjustments.

Lead combat designer Zhiyong detailed balance changes effective February 21, 2025, at 12:00 AM (PDT). These include adjustments to energy costs for characters with quick ultimate recharges, survivability tweaks for Vanguard characters, and nerfs to overpowered heroes like Storm and Moon Knight. Notably, a planned rank reset was scrapped due to player feedback.

The update demonstrates the game's continued development, even amidst the significant personnel changes at NetEase.