Marvel Rivals Director and Entire Seattle Design Team Laid Off, NetEase Tells Fans Not to Worry About the Game

NetEase, developer of the successful mobile game Marvel Rivals, has announced layoffs affecting its Seattle-based design team. The cuts, attributed to "organizational reasons" and efficiency optimization, were announced by game director Thaddeus Sasser on LinkedIn, who confirmed his own dismissal along with his team's.

This news comes as a surprise, given Marvel Rivals' significant success. The free-to-play game boasts over 20 million downloads since its December launch and impressive concurrent player numbers on Steam. Sasser's team, according to his LinkedIn profile, played a crucial role in the game's design and development over the past two years.

NetEase's statement confirmed the layoffs but didn't disclose the number of affected employees. The company emphasized its commitment to continued support for Marvel Rivals, assuring players that the core development team in Guangzhou, China, remains fully operational and dedicated to delivering new content, including characters, maps, and features. This reassurance follows recent NetEase restructuring, including the closure of several overseas studios and the termination of several projects.

The gaming community has reacted with shock and criticism to the layoffs, particularly given the game's strong performance. The situation highlights the volatile nature of the video game industry and the challenges faced by even successful game developers. NetEase's commitment to the game's future, however, suggests that players can expect continued updates and support despite the staff reductions.