Marvel Rivals publisher NetEase has addressed the recent layoffs affecting its Seattle-based support team. Despite the game’s burgeoning success, achieving over 10 million players shortly after its December 6, 2024 launch, and the upcoming arrival of characters like Blade, The Thing, and Human Torch, not all news has been positive.

The layoffs, confirmed by NetEase in a statement to PC Gamer, impacted the Seattle team which provided support to the core development team in China. NetEase characterized the decision as a difficult but necessary step to "optimize development efficiency." The exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, but NetEase confirmed no Seattle-based developers are currently working on Marvel Rivals.

NetEase reassured fans that the core Chinese development team remains unaffected and that their commitment to Marvel Rivals is unwavering.  They emphasized their continued support through the addition of new playable characters, maps, and content with each new season. The planned release of Blade and the new Central Park map accompanying The Thing and Human Torch on February 21 are still on track.

While this news is welcomed, the layoffs highlight the industry-wide trend impacting even successful titles like Marvel Rivals. Other companies facing similar staff reductions in February include Bandai Namco, Rumbleverse developer Iron Galaxy, Smite publisher Hi-Rez Studios, Crysis studio Crytek, and Liquid Swords.