Marvel Rivals: A Successful Launch with Unfortunate Layoffs
In a surprising twist, Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play hero shooter by NetEase, has shown great success and yet faced some tough internal changes. Despite reaching over 20 million players shortly after its launch and maintaining more than 250,000 daily players on Steam, the development team based in the US has been affected by layoffs.
Overview of Marvel Rivals
Launched in December, Marvel Rivals quickly became a popular title among gamers. With its engaging gameplay and dynamic characters, it attracted millions of players and established a solid player community. The success of the game showcased the talent and effort of the development team, who worked hard to create a game that resonated with fans of the Marvel universe.
Job Cuts at NetEase
The news about job cuts came from Thaddeus Sasser, the game director of Marvel Rivals, who announced it through a post on LinkedIn. He expressed his surprise and disappointment, noting that despite the team’s success in launching a new franchise for NetEase, they faced layoffs.
Employee Reactions
Two level designers, Jack Burrows and Garry McGee, confirmed they were among those laid off. Their posts reflected a sense of disbelief and sadness. Burrows remarked on the unfortunate timing, emphasizing that no amount of success could prevent such layoffs. McGee echoed these thoughts, commenting on the unsettling nature of these developments in the industry.
Industry-Wide Layoffs
Unfortunately, the layoffs at NetEase are not isolated incidents. The gaming industry has seen a wave of job cuts in recent years. Many companies, despite having successful titles, are still downsizing. For instance, other studios owned by NetEase have made similar decisions.
- In November, Mac Walters, a veteran from BioWare, announced a pause in operations at his studio backed by NetEase, called Worlds Untold.
- Jar of Sparks, founded by Jerry Hook, the head of design for Halo Infinite, halted their first project and started looking for a different publisher.
- Recently, Liquid Swords, a Swedish development studio funded by NetEase, also laid off several employees.
The Bigger Picture: Job Cuts in the Gaming Industry
The layoffs at NetEase reflect a larger trend in the gaming world. Since the start of 2023, more than 25,000 employees from various game companies have lost their jobs. This situation is compounded by the fact that less than two months into 2025, an additional 900 layoffs have already been reported, impacting several well-known companies like Unity, Ubisoft, and others.
Reasons Behind Layoffs
Several factors contribute to the layoffs in the gaming industry:
- Market Saturation: The gaming market has become highly competitive, leading to many studios struggling to stand out.
- Budget Constraints: With production costs rising, companies often have to make tough decisions to cut costs, including reducing staff.
- Changing Trends: The preferences of gamers can shift rapidly, which may lead to some projects being deemed less viable.
Conclusion
The story of Marvel Rivals serves as a reminder that even in periods of success, the gaming industry can face unpredictable challenges. While the game has achieved significant popularity, the layoffs illustrate the complexities and harsh realities of the industry. Moving forward, it will be crucial for studios to adapt to changing market conditions to ensure long-term viability and stability for their teams.
