Marvel Rivals: The Bot Controversy in NetEase's Popular Hero Shooter
Despite topping Steam and Twitch charts, Marvel Rivals, NetEase's hero shooter, faces growing player concerns about the prevalence of bots in its Quickplay matches. The game, lauded for its stylish presentation and iconic Marvel characters like Spider-Man and Wolverine, boasts a large player base. However, weeks after launch, a significant number of players report encountering suspiciously low-skill opponents in Quickplay, sometimes even with bot teammates.
Reddit discussions highlight player frustration. Many argue that AI opponents should be confined to practice modes, not standard Quickplay. The suspicion is that the game strategically places players against bots after a series of losses, potentially to prevent player burnout and reduce queue times. However, NetEase has offered no official comment on the matter, fueling speculation.
Players have identified several potential indicators of bot matches: repetitive and unnatural in-game behavior, similar or strangely formatted player names (e.g., all caps, single words, or partial names), and, most notably, enemy profiles labeled "restricted." The lack of transparency regarding bot presence is a major source of contention. One player pointed out the inability to reliably practice new heroes in Quickplay due to the uncertainty of facing actual players.
The use of bots in online games is not unprecedented, but the lack of clarity in Marvel Rivals is causing significant backlash. Some players advocate for a toggle to enable or disable bot matches, while others demand their complete removal. Conversely, some players see bot lobbies as opportunities to achieve specific hero challenges.
The controversy has prompted community investigations, with players sharing their experiences and attempting to identify patterns. One Reddit user initiated a community discussion, urging players to scrutinize their matches for signs of bot activity. The author confirms personally encountering a suspicious Quickplay match exhibiting several of the reported indicators.
NetEase remains silent, but the company's future plans for Marvel Rivals include the addition of the Fantastic Four, new heroes every half-season, and upcoming cosmetic content like Peter Parker's Advanced Suit 2.0. Whether or not the bot issue is addressed, the game's development continues. Meanwhile, some players have even devised strategies to counter what they perceive as bots, using characters like Invisible Woman to disrupt their actions.
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