NetEase, the developer behind the successful mobile game Marvel Rivals, has announced layoffs affecting its Seattle-based design team. Game director Thaddeus Sasser revealed the news on LinkedIn, expressing surprise given the game's recent success. Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play hero shooter, has surpassed 20 million downloads since its December launch and boasts impressive concurrent player numbers on Steam. Sasser's team contributed significantly to the game's design and development over the past two years.
NetEase confirmed the layoffs in a statement to IGN, citing "organizational reasons" and the need to optimize development efficiency. While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, NetEase emphasized that the layoffs will not affect ongoing support for Marvel Rivals. The game's core development team, based in Guangzhou, China, remains fully committed to delivering new content and features, including new characters, maps, and gameplay enhancements.
This is the latest in a series of layoffs and studio closures at NetEase, reflecting a broader shift in the company's overseas investments. Previous closures include Ouka Studios (developer of Visions of Mana) and the halting of operations for Worlds Untold and Jar of Sparks.
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