NetEase Fires US Developers Despite Marvel Rivals Success
The free-to-play superhero shooter, Marvel Rivals, has achieved remarkable success, boasting over 300,000 concurrent players on Steam and ranking among the top five most-played games on PS5 and Xbox in the US. The game generated over $136 million in its first month. Despite this, NetEase has laid off key developers from its US team.
Reasons for Layoffs
NetEase cited cost reduction as the primary reason for the layoffs, stating that US salaries and expenses are higher. The company believes its China-based teams are capable of handling AAA game development independently, pointing to the success of Black Myth: Wukong as an example. This decision has raised concerns about job security within the gaming industry, even for developers working on successful projects. For tips on improving your workspace, see Perfecting Your Desk Setup.
Developer Reactions
Lead developer Thaddeus Sasser expressed frustration over the layoffs, highlighting the irony of being fired after contributing to the game's success. Other affected developers include designers Garry McGee and Jack Burrows, whose contributions were instrumental to Marvel Rivals' positive reception. This situation underscores the volatile nature of the gaming industry, where job security can be precarious regardless of project performance. Learn more about navigating conversations in ChatGPT: Sharing and Exporting Conversations.
NetEase's Response
NetEase confirmed the layoffs but assured fans that Marvel Rivals' development will continue under the leadership of producer Wei-Chung Wu and creative director Guangyün Chen in Guangzhou, China. The company claims to be increasing investment in the game's growth. This shift in development focus raises questions about the future direction of the game. For insights into AI strategies, check out Apple & Samsung's AI Strategies in China.