Marvel Rivals, the popular hero shooter available on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, has taken the gaming world by storm.  Featuring a vast roster of iconic Marvel heroes and villains, the game boasts millions of players engaged in dynamic team-based battles.

With Season 2 on the horizon, slated to begin in April and introduce two new playable characters, the development team at NetEase has shed light on their balancing philosophy.

In a recent interview, Marvel Games Executive Producer Danny Koo revealed that while competitive balance is important, it isn't the team's primary focus.  Instead, they prioritize creating a "fun, first and foremost" experience.

Koo explained that while they don't solely focus on competitive balance,  the development team diligently monitors game data, including win rates and other metrics for each character. This ensures no single character becomes overly dominant or "oppressive" to play against.  While a powerful character can be fun to use, excessive dominance can negatively impact the overall enjoyment for others, necessitating adjustments.

This focus on fun, Koo argues, enhances accessibility for casual players who prioritize enjoyment over winning.  From Doctor Strange's portal tricks involving the Invisible Woman to the antics of Jeff the Land Shark, the game's abilities are designed to be visually impressive and enjoyable to use, regardless of the outcome of the match.

Koo acknowledged the larger proportion of casual players compared to competitive ones, but also recognized the desire among competitive players to "show off their mastery." The team actively monitors matchmaking and community data to cater to both groups and find the optimal balance.

The game's popularity in 2025 suggests that this focus on fun is resonating with players.  However, the long-term sustainability of this approach remains to be seen.  Maintaining a healthy competitive balance is often key to player retention and mastery, factors that can significantly contribute to a game's long-term success.