Marvel Rivals, the popular free-to-play hero shooter, has taken the gaming world by storm with over 20 million downloads since its launch in December. However, in an unexpected move, NetEase has laid off the entire Seattle-based design team, including Game Director Thaddeus Sasser, who expressed his shock and disappointment on LinkedIn. Despite the cuts, NetEase assures fans that the game’s development remains strong, with the core team in China continuing to evolve the title.
NetEase Confirms Layoffs but Promises Ongoing Support
NetEase cited “organizational reasons” and a need to optimize development efficiency as the primary factors behind the layoffs. The company reassured fans that the game’s future remains bright, with Lead Producer Weicong Wu and Game Creative Director Guangyun Chen still leading the core development team in Guangzhou. While the loss of the Seattle team raises concerns, NetEase insists that Marvel Rivals will continue to receive new superheroes, maps, and content updates.
Industry Reaction: Shock and Frustration
The gaming community reacted strongly to the news, questioning why a game that has been so successful would see such drastic staffing changes. Many industry professionals and players voiced their frustrations on social media, noting that Marvel Rivals had become a standout in the competitive hero shooter market. Given NetEase’s recent trend of closing overseas studios, including Visions of Mana developer Ouka Studios, Worlds Untold, and Jar of Sparks, some worry about the long-term impact on the company’s global gaming presence.
What’s Next for Marvel Rivals?
Despite the layoffs, NetEase remains committed to the game’s growth. Future updates will introduce new superheroes, maps, and engaging live-service features to maintain player engagement. While some fans remain skeptical about the game’s trajectory without the Seattle team’s involvement, NetEase’s reassurance signals that Marvel Rivals isn’t going anywhere soon.
Final Thoughts
Layoffs are always unfortunate, especially when they involve a team that played a crucial role in a game’s success. Marvel Rivals has built a strong player base, and only time will tell if NetEase can maintain its momentum without the Seattle team. For now, fans can only hope that the company stays true to its promise of keeping Marvel Rivals an exciting and evolving experience.
