Marvel Rivals: A History of Doubt and Success
Marvel Rivals has emerged as a formidable success, but its existence was once uncertain.
Development Turmoil
According to a Bloomberg report, NetEase CEO William Ding considered canceling Marvel Rivals before its release due to concerns about licensing costs. Ding reportedly requested that artists replace Marvel characters with original designs, ultimately leading to wasted time and resources.
NetEase's Denial and Marvel's Importance
NetEase has refuted the claim, emphasizing its strong partnership with Marvel since 2017. However, Ding's reluctance to invest heavily in expensive licenses is understandable, given the volatility of live service games and the disappointing outcome of Marvel's Avengers.
Ding's Leadership and Project Changes
The Bloomberg report suggests that indecisiveness has characterized Ding's recent leadership style, with frequent project alterations and support termination. This is evident in the layoffs at Marvel Rivals' Seattle studio and the discontinuation of funding for Worlds Untold and Jar of Sparks.
Focus on Mass-Market Appeal
Ding reportedly prioritizes games with mass-market appeal and high recurrent spending potential, such as Eggy Party. NetEase reportedly considers games with annual earnings below hundreds of millions of dollars to be unviable, although the company claims there are no arbitrary criteria.
Industry Trends and EA's Perspective
The live service model is dominating the gaming industry, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasizing the importance of "shared-world features and deeper engagement."
Marvel Rivals' Triumph
Despite initial doubts, Marvel Rivals has become a major hit, surpassing 40 million players. Canceling or reducing its Marvel roster would have been a significant misstep.
Conclusion
Marvel Rivals' success highlights the benefits of perseverance and the importance of adapting to industry trends. While Ding's leadership style has raised some questions, his decision to continue supporting Marvel Rivals has proven to be a profitable one for NetEase.