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 game director Thaddeus Sasser on LinkedIn. Sasser and his team, responsible for game and level design, were let go despite the game's significant 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. This unexpected move has sparked shock and criticism within the gaming community.
NetEase's statement confirmed the layoffs but didn't disclose the number of affected employees. The company emphasized that the layoffs won't affect ongoing support for Marvel Rivals, as the core development team remains in Guangzhou, China, under the leadership of Lead Producer Weicong Wu and Game Creative Director Guangyun Chen. NetEase reiterated its commitment to expanding the game with new content, characters, and features.
These layoffs are part of a broader trend at NetEase, which has recently scaled back on overseas investments and closed several studios in the U.S. and Japan. This includes the closure of Ouka Studios (Visions of Mana) and the pausing of Worlds Untold (headed by Mass Effect veteran Mac Walters) following a split with the publisher. Earlier this year, NetEase also cut ties with Jar of Sparks, founded by Halo and Destiny 2 veteran Jerry Hook. The company's strategic shift continues to reshape its global presence.
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