NetEase Founder Almost Scrapped Marvel Rivals Over IP Issues

NetEase's latest game, Marvel Rivals, has become a massive success, attracting ten million players within just three days of its launch. However, a new report reveals that NetEase's founder, William Ding, nearly canceled the project due to his hesitance over using licensed Marvel characters, preferring instead to develop original designs. This decision, coupled with the ongoing financial strain and organizational changes at NetEase, illustrates the company's efforts to streamline its portfolio amid heightened competition and recent growth declines. Despite these challenges, Marvel Rivals continues to thrive, even as the company cuts jobs and reassesses its investment strategies in gaming.

NetEase nearly canceled Marvel Rivals because CEO William Ding was reluctant to pay for licensed Marvel character usage and wanted artists to create original designs instead. This attempted cancellation reportedly cost the company millions before the game eventually launched successfully.

Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play mobile game, leverages the vast roster of Marvel characters to deliver an engaging gaming experience. The game's rapid success stands as a testament to the popularity of Marvel's intellectual properties, which have a strong following worldwide due to successful movies, comics, and merchandise. However, the ongoing changes within NetEase reflect a broader trend in the gaming industry, facing challenges like layoffs and project cancellations as companies navigate economic pressures.