NetEase Video games’ Marvel Rivals has been fairly sizzling these days, particularly with the arrival of Season 1.5 (which added The Factor and Human Torch). The hero shooter is at over 40 million gamers, however there was some controversy, with its Seattle-based growth crew not too long ago being laid off. Nonetheless, there’s seemingly an even bigger shift coming.
Bloomberg revealed that NetEase is making important adjustments in abroad investments, with CEO William Ding reportedly reducing jobs and shutting studios. Curiously, even Marvel Rivals wasn’t precisely protected with discuss of cancelling the title earlier than launch. Ding allegedly had points paying Disney for the rights to make use of Wolverine and Spider-Man.
He additionally reportedly sought to make use of the corporate’s personal hero designs. Although this didn’t go, it seemingly price “thousands and thousands of {dollars}.” Whether or not it was for less than these characters or others is unknown. Nonetheless, given the relative recognition of Spider-Man and Wolverine worldwide, it wouldn’t be stunning if Disney charged a premium.
For what it’s value, an organization spokesperson denied all this and stated NetEase and Marvel had had a “shut partnership” since 2018. Other than Marvel Rivals, the businesses labored collectively on titles like Marvel Duel, Marvel Tremendous Struggle, and the upcoming Marvel Mystic Mayhem.
Following the latest layoffs, NetEase Video games stated it was dedicated to long-term help for Marvel Rivals and its core growth crew stays intact. Stated plans embody eight heroes per 12 months. Head right here for extra particulars.
