NetEase, the developer behind Marvel Rivals, has laid off an unspecified number of employees in its US operations. The news comes as a shock, given the game’s massive success, with 20 million players within days of its December 2024 launch.
Several developers who were let go are sharing their experiences on LinkedIn, expressing disappointment and frustration at being released from their jobs despite the game’s popularity. One former employee described the situation as “weird,” highlighting the disconnect between the industry’s high expectations and the harsh realities of layoffs.
The backlash is already evident, with players taking to Steam to express their outrage over NetEase’s decision. Over 300 negative reviews have been posted, many of which voice disappointment that the team responsible for Marvel Rivals was laid off despite its success.
Despite being one of the standout live-service games in a crowded market, Marvel Rivals has struggled to maintain a competitive edge against established franchises like Call of Duty and Fortnite. Nevertheless, the game remains popular, ranking third on Steam’s most-played games chart and sitting among the top 5 weekly active users across Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam.
The layoffs raise questions about NetEase’s priorities and the industry’s treatment of its employees. As one former employee noted, “This is such a weird industry…” The implications of this move are unclear, but it’s clear that the game’s success has not protected its US team from being let go.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/614819/marvel-rivals-us-layoffs-netease