Marvel Rivals Team Faces Layoffs Following Game’s Chart Success

Marvel Rivals, the hit hero shooter from NetEase, has been making waves since its launch, but recent layoffs have left fans and developers stunned. The game’s director, Thaddeus Sasser, and other key team members were let go, despite the game’s continued success on platforms like Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. This unexpected move has sparked confusion and frustration within the gaming community.

Surprising Layoffs Amid Success

Thaddeus Sasser, the game director, shared his disappointment on LinkedIn, noting how his team delivered a billion-dollar franchise only to face layoffs. Similarly, level designer Jack Burrows expressed his sadness over the situation, highlighting the hard work and success of the team. The reasons behind these layoffs remain unclear, leaving many to question the decision.

Impact on the Development Team

While much of the development team is based in China, several North American developers, including level designer Garry McGee, were also affected. The exact size and scope of the layoffs are still unknown. NetEase has yet to comment on the situation, adding to the uncertainty surrounding these decisions.

Marvel Rivals’ Continued Popularity

Despite the layoffs, Marvel Rivals remains a top-performing game. It’s currently in the top five most-played games on major consoles and continues to dominate Steam. The game recently hit its mid-season point with a major content update, and season 2 is expected to launch in early April. Creative director Guangguang also released a video updating fans on upcoming changes, showing that development is still progressing.

Community Reaction

Veteran game artist Del Walker voiced his confusion, questioning how a successful live-service game could lead to layoffs. Many in the industry are left wondering about the future of game development and job security, even in the face of success.

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