NetEase, the developer behind 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 former game director Thaddeus Sasser on LinkedIn. Sasser expressed surprise and disappointment, highlighting the team's significant contributions to the game's launch and subsequent success.
Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play hero shooter, has achieved over 20 million downloads since its December launch and boasts impressive concurrent player numbers on Steam. Despite this success, NetEase confirmed the layoffs, though the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed. The company emphasized that the layoffs will not affect ongoing support for the game, assuring players that the core development team in Guangzhou, China, remains fully committed to delivering new content and features.
This latest round of layoffs follows a pattern of reduced overseas investment and studio closures by NetEase, including the shuttering of U.S. and Japan-based studios. Previous examples include the closure of Ouka Studios (Visions of Mana) and the pausing of operations for Worlds Untold and Jar of Sparks. The industry reacted with a mixture of shock and criticism, given Marvel Rivals' undeniable popularity. NetEase's statement assures players of continued support and investment in the game's future.
