NetEase has reported that Marvel Rivals has amassed 40 million players, with its debut season sparking a surge in popularity and earning the game the top spot on Steam’s best-selling and most-played lists worldwide.
The announcement came through a newly released financial report, though its timing is less than ideal. Just days earlier, several Marvel Rivals developers, including the director of the Seattle-based team.
Game director Thaddeus Sasser took to LinkedIn to confirm his exit, along with the rest of his team.
NetEase Reports Marvel Rivals Hitting 40 Million Players Amid Recent Staff Layoffs
Expressing his frustration, he wrote, “This industry is so unpredictable. My incredibly talented team just played a key role in launching the hugely successful Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games… and now we’ve been laid off!”
As per an article published in thegameshub, NetEase has officially confirmed Marvel Rivals as a massive success, boasting tens of millions of players.
Despite reporting a 1.4% year-on-year decline in net revenue, the company remains highly profitable. In the fiscal year ending December 2024, NetEase generated RMB 21.2 billion (US$2.9 billion), solidifying its status as a multi-billion-dollar powerhouse.
Since Marvel Rivals launched in early December and has yet to reach its full potential, it’s poised to boost NetEase’s next financial quarter significantly. Player spending on skins and other in-game collectibles is expected to further drive the game’s success.
NetEase’s recent financial report underscores its stable growth and solid financial footing, even amid industry hurdles. Its collaboration with Blizzard to distribute games in China remains successful, garnering strong player engagement.
NetEase has more victories to celebrate beyond Marvel Rivals—its RPG Where Winds Meet has already amassed over 3 million downloads in China, while the mobile title Justice has claimed the top spot on download charts in Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong.
The company also has several upcoming titles lined up for release, including Fragpunk, Destiny: Rising, and Marvel Mystic Mayhem.
William Ding, Chief Executive Officer and Director of NetEase, highlighted the company’s achievements in a press release, stating, “In 2024, we once again pushed the limits of innovation, delivering groundbreaking gaming experiences that resonated with players globally. Our latest hits not only introduced fresh gameplay elements but also set new industry standards.
“As we broaden our game lineup across multiple genres and connect with an increasing global audience, our focus remains on fostering innovation and collaborating with top industry talent and strategic partners to drive the next evolution in gaming.”
There were same skilled professionals the company celebrates have been impacted by recent layoffs. It’s difficult to overlook the contradiction, NetEase envisions a bright future while parting ways with dedicated team members.
Also Read: Riot Defends Arcane’s $250M Spend: ‘A Win for Players Is A Win for Us’
For more of the latest in gaming news, check out the update on Xbox Game Pass
Follow Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Google News
