The Baffling World of Game Development: NetEase’s Marvel Rivals Layoffs
The gaming industry is known for its unpredictability, but the recent layoffs at NetEase’s US development team, despite the success of their game Marvel Rivals, has left many scratching their heads. In this post, we’ll dive into the details of this unexpected move and explore the broader trends and implications for the industry.
A Successful Game, Yet Layoffs
Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play hero shooter, has been a huge hit for NetEase, with over 20 million players and 250,000 daily concurrent players on Steam. However, this success hasn’t been enough to save the US development team from layoffs. The game director, Thaddeus Sasser, broke the news on LinkedIn, stating that the team’s success wasn’t enough to prevent the cuts. This move is part of a larger trend of layoffs across NetEase’s western studios, including BioWare veteran Mac Walters’ studio, Worlds Untold, and Swedish developer Liquid Swords.
A Devastating Few Years for the Industry
The gaming industry has been hit hard in recent years, with over 25,000 employees losing their jobs since the start of 2023. This trend continues in 2025, with another 900 layoffs already recorded, affecting workers at companies like Unity, HiRez Studios, Sumo Digital, Ubisoft, Splash Damage, and Midnight Society.
What’s Behind the Layoffs?
While NetEase hasn’t publicly disclosed the reasons behind the layoffs, it’s likely that the company is looking to streamline its operations and reduce costs. The gaming industry is highly competitive, and companies need to be agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the curve. This may involve making tough decisions, such as layoffs, to ensure the long-term success of the business.
Actionable Insights
For game developers and industry professionals, the recent layoffs serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for the unexpected. Here are a few actionable insights to keep in mind:
- Diversify your skills: The gaming industry is constantly evolving, and having a diverse set of skills can help you stay ahead of the curve.
- Stay adaptable: Be prepared to pivot and adjust to changing circumstances, whether it’s a shift in market trends or a change in company direction.
- Build a strong network: Networking is key in the gaming industry, and building relationships with other professionals can help you stay informed about job opportunities and industry trends.
Conclusion
The recent layoffs at NetEase’s US development team, despite the success of Marvel Rivals, serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of the gaming industry. While it’s difficult to understand the reasoning behind these decisions, it’s clear that companies need to be agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the curve. By diversifying your skills, staying adaptable, and building a strong network, you can increase your chances of success in this ever-changing industry.
Summary
- NetEase’s US development team, responsible for the successful game Marvel Rivals, has been hit with layoffs despite the game’s success.
- This move is part of a larger trend of layoffs across NetEase’s western studios and the gaming industry as a whole.
- The industry is highly competitive, and companies need to be agile and adaptable to stay ahead of the curve.
- Game developers and industry professionals should diversify their skills, stay adaptable, and build a strong network to increase their chances of success.