Just months ago, NetEase unveiled the highly anticipated multiplayer shooter, Marvel Rivals, adding another potential blockbuster to its portfolio. However, a recent report reveals that the game nearly didn’t make it to release.
A Bloomberg report has shed light on internal turmoil within the Chinese corporation. Specifically, Marvel Rivals faced the threat of cancellation shortly before its premiere. Sources indicate that the primary obstacle was NetEase’s CEO, William Ding, who reportedly hesitated to authorize payments to Marvel for the use of its iconic characters. He even proposed abandoning licensed characters altogether, demanding the developers create entirely original heroes. This ultimately unrealized proposition resulted in significant financial expenditures for the company.
NetEase representatives have refuted these claims, asserting that the corporation maintains a positive relationship with Marvel, dating back to 2017.
It’s worth noting that NetEase recently downsized the Marvel Rivals development team, primarily affecting its American office.
The Chinese division is now solely responsible for the game’s ongoing development.