NetEase Lays Off U.S. Marvel Rivals Team Despite Game's Success

Layoffs attributed to efficiency optimization and geopolitical risks as Marvel Rivals garners 40 million players.

NetEase Games has laid off its Seattle-based Marvel Rivals design team, including U.S. Game Director Thaddeus Sasser, despite the game's strong market performance.
The company cited 'organizational reasons' and a need to 'optimize development efficiency' as the primary motivations for the decision.
Industry analyst Daniel Ahmad suggests the layoffs are partly influenced by geopolitical risks under the Trump administration and a recalibration of NetEase's global strategy.
Marvel Rivals has achieved over 40 million players, with its core development team based in Guangzhou, China, continuing work under lead producer Weicong Wu and creative director Guangyun Chen.
The decision has sparked significant online reactions, with fans and industry commentators questioning the necessity of the layoffs given the game's success.