Summary
- Layoffs hit the Marvel Rivals team despite critical acclaim and commercial success.
- Gamers are concerned about the impact of continued video game industry layoffs.
- There has been no official statement from NetEase on the layoffs affecting the Marvel Rivals team.
Video game fans are baffled after NetEase Games game director Thaddeus Sasser revealed that one of the Marvel Rivals development teams has been laid off by the studio. Marvel Rivals has been critically and commercially praised, with many ranking it as one of the best third-person shooters in recent years. However, it would seem the game's notable success has not been enough to save the team responsible for its success from the chopping block.
Released on December 6, 2024, Marvel Rivals is an online multiplayer co-op 6v6 hero shooter that sees players taking on the role of iconic Marvel comic book characters to battle in one of five different game modes. The hit title has been compared to video games like Overwatch 2 and has been incredibly well-received among audiences. However, the continued layoffs and shutdowns that have been plaguing the video game industry since the summer of 2023 appear to have reached the Marvel Rivals team, leaving players shocked.
Marvel Rivals: Release Time For The Thing & Human Torch
The second half of the Fantastic Four are coming to Marvel Rivals. Here is when players can get their hands on The Thing and Human Torch.
In a post on LinkedIn, Marvel Rivals game director Thaddeus Sasser announced that his US-based team had just been laid off. Sasser's statement notes that the "stellar, talented team" helped to develop and deliver "an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals." He further stated that "times are tough all over" and shared his intention to help his now-former team members find new jobs. Responses to the LinkedIn post and reactions on social media voiced a collective disbelief at the announcement, with many debating the reasoning behind the move. The layoffs come in tandem with the release of new gameplay trailers for Marvel Rivals, leaving many to wonder if future updates to the game will be affected by the removal of the development team.
Marvel Rivals Layoffs Spark Industry Debates
While the Marvel Rivals layoffs are the latest to hit the industry, they are far from the first to be announced in 2025. Other companies such as Crytek, 10:10 Games, Bandai Namco, Rocksteady, Ubisoft, and Iron Galaxy announced layoffs earlier in the year, adding to the thousands of employees who have been made redundant by dozens of AAA and indie studios over the past two years. Fans have already begun questioning how a majorly successful game like Marvel Rivals could see its development team being let go just two months after launch, and many are asking for an explanation from NetEase to clarify the matter. At the time of writing, no official statement has been made by NetEase Games regarding the Marvel Rivals layoffs.
With the success of Marvel Rivals even proving to be no match for the wave of layoffs, many remain skeptical of the continued workforce reductions across the video game industry. The tumultuous times presently show no signs of ending, and audiences are understandably concerned about the long-term effects of these layoffs on Marvel Rivals and other beloved games.
Marvel Rivals
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 78 /100 Critics Rec: 84%
- Released
- December 6, 2024
- ESRB
- T For Teen // Violence
- Developer(s)
- NetEase Games
- Publisher(s)
- NetEase Games
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!
Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!
A Deep and Varied Marvel Roster
Choose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.
Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game Dynamics
With intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there's never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.
Dynamic Hero Synergy
Coordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot's back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man's armor for massive damage, and so much more!
Creative Environment Destruction
Tear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!
Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch Updates
The Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 5
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Online Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Limited - console crossplay, no PC crossplay
- Cross Save
- No
- Franchise
- Marvel
- Number of Players
- 1-6
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Unknown
- PC Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- Xbox Series X|S Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- PS5 Release Date
- December 6, 2024
- Genre(s)
- Third-Person Shooter, Action, Multiplayer
- Platform(s)
- PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC
- How Long To Beat
- 7.5 hours
- X|S Optimized
- Yes
- File Size Xbox Series
- 20 GB
- OpenCritic Rating
- Strong
