Justin Carter, Contributing EditorFebruary 18, 20251 Min ReadImage via NetEase Games/Marvel.At a GlanceAt time of writing, NetEase has not explained why it's cutting Marvel Rivals' staff, or how many developers are affected.NetEase Games has seemingly laid off its Seattle-based team working on its free-to-play shooter, Marvel Rivals.On LinkedIn, game director Thaddeus Sasser wrote that his "stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise for NetEase, [and we] were just laid off!""This is such a weird industry," he noted. A level designer also revealed he was impacted, though it's presently unclear why NetEase has cut positions, and if teams at other locations were affected.Marvel Rivals' story so farMarvel Rivals released in December 2024 and quickly became a Steam bestseller. It may have also been a big money maker for NetEase: in January, reports claimed the game made around 1 billion won (or $136 million) in revenue, most of which was said to have come from PC players.Prior to release, the studio said Rivals' post-launch heroes would be free for all players. The game's first season has already added Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, with fellow Fantastic Four members Human Torch and the Thing slated to arrive this Friday, February 21.Game Developer has reached out to NetEase about the layoffs, and will update when a response is given.Read more about:LayoffsNeteaseTop StoriesAbout the AuthorJustin CarterContributing Editor, GameDeveloper.comA Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.See more from Justin CarterDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like