NetEase’s popular game Marvel Rivals almost faced cancellation due to its reliance on licensed intellectual property. Reports indicate that CEO William Ding expressed reluctance to pay for the use of Marvel characters, preferring original designs instead.
Despite these concerns, the game launched successfully, attracting ten million players within three days and generating significant revenue for the company. However, the internal climate at NetEase remains turbulent.
According to Bloomberg, Ding is restructuring the company by cutting jobs, closing studios, and withdrawing from overseas investments. This strategy aims to create a more focused portfolio in response to a recent decline in growth and to better compete with rivals like Tencent and MiHoYo.
Additionally, the Seattle team behind Marvel Rivals recently faced layoffs, attributed to „organizational reasons.“ Ding’s management style has raised concerns among employees, who describe a volatile environment characterized by swift decision-making and pressure to work long hours.
NetEase’s shift away from international investments follows a trend of uncertainty in the gaming industry, marked by layoffs and project cancellations. The company has ceased funding for many overseas studios, including notable names like Bungie and Blizzard Entertainment.
As NetEase navigates these challenges, the future of its game releases, particularly in China, remains uncertain.
For more details, visit the original article at IGN.