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.
Why did NetEase almost cancel Marvel Rivals?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.
Casey Loh
Casey Loh is a tech-savvy writer who specializes in the intersection of gaming and technology. With a background in computer science, Casey brings a technical lens to her reviews, breaking down the nuts and bolts of game engines, graphics, and AI innovation.
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Comments
It’s crazy to think how close we came to missing out on Marvel Rivals, especially with how quickly it’s blown up. Just goes to show that even with a golden IP like Marvel, the gaming industry is still full of tough calls and second-guessing.
It's wild how Marvel Rivals almost didn't happen because of licensing hesitations, but now it's pulling in millions of players. Goes to show how much of a gamble the gaming industry can be, even with a powerhouse IP like Marvel behind it.