Marvel Rivals Devs Admit They “Panicked” at the Thought of Joining the Live-Service Graveyard That Claimed Highguard: “It’s Not Guaranteed

NetEase clearly learned a lot from the live-service genre’s failures with Marvel Rivals:

  • High stakes: Launching a live-service hero shooter just months after PlayStation shut down its own similar title, Concord, was risky. The team felt a real sense of “panic” entering what they called the “live-service graveyard.”

  • Early testing and feedback: Executive producer Danny Koo emphasized that “test often, get enough feedback, and address it” was crucial. The team spent a full year engaging with the community and refining the game before launch.

  • Community and content strategy: NetEase accelerated new content releases, supported creator communities via a partner program, and built a strong player base, which helped Marvel Rivals survive where other shooters failed.

  • Takeaway: Live-service games are “hard” and success isn’t guaranteed, but careful positioning, early testing, and sustained community engagement can make the difference.

Essentially, Marvel Rivals shows that the formula isn’t just flashy IP—it’s patience, feedback, and community-first design.