Overview

• NetEase has laid off its U.S.-based Marvel Rivals development team despite the game's massive success, with over 40 million players and $2.9 billion in quarterly gaming revenue.
• Reports suggest NetEase CEO William Ding previously considered canceling Marvel Rivals due to concerns over Disney's licensing fees, though the company denies this claim.
• The company is reportedly reviewing its international investments, potentially leading to the closure of over a dozen non-Chinese studios if funding cannot be secured.
• NetEase is shifting its focus to 'mass-market' games with high revenue potential, such as mobile multiplayer titles like Eggy Party, while scaling back support for less lucrative projects.
• Marvel Rivals has implemented a ban on the third-party plugin Blitz, citing fairness concerns, and warned players against using similar software in the future.