Yardbarker
x

Marvel Rivals developers at NetEase have received explicit permission to create and introduce completely original heroes and villains into the game. NetEase’s senior producer, Guangyun Chen, gave this significant revelation during an interview with MP1st at a recent Marvel Rivals tournament event in China. So, what exactly did Chen say about this latest update surrounding the game’s roster?

Marvel Rivals Sparks Debate: NetEase Granted Power to Create Original Heroes

Marvel Rivals Sparks Debate: NetEase Granted Power to Create Original Heroes. Photo credit goes to the original creator.”Steam“

“Who?” – The Entire Marvel Fanbase, Today

Chen confirmed the development team’s creative license to expand Marvel Rival‘s universe with unique characters. That said, whether this creative freedom ultimately benefits the players and the integrity of the established Marvel universe or represents an unnecessary diversion remains to be seen. For Marvel, the practice of introducing original characters through secondary media isn’t a new concept. The successful introduction of Luna Snow in the mobile game Marvel Future Fight, for instance, demonstrates the company’s approach to updating its content.

Particularly, these characters have the ability to achieve significant popularity and become integrated into the wider comic book lore. Marvel isn’t the only company that has followed this method, as the iconic Harley Quinn first appeared in Batman: The Animated Series long before she became a staple of DC comic books and films. So, what do these examples prove? Well-designed original characters can successfully transition into a beloved official part of a universe under the right circumstances. Furthermore, a new character potentially achieving mainstream success remains a powerful incentive for any creative team.

Gambit Still Waiting, Gets Upstaged By Nobody

However, Marvel’s dedicated fanbase has raised legitimate concerns following the announcement. Marvel Rivals has yet to tap into its comics canon, which contains a nearly endless roster of established and beloved characters who have yet to make an appearance. For many fans, he current selection of playable heroes and villains has only just begun to explore the depth of available options.

With the absence of major fan-requested characters like Deadpool, Gambit, Nightcrawler, and Ghost Rider, it stands to reason that the well of existing ideas is far from dry. That said, these missing iconic characters are certainly something that can’t be ignored among Marvel Rivals‘ fans. So, what compelling reason would justify prioritizing an unknown entity over a proven fan favorite?

It seems that this decision contradicts the previously stated goal of exploring the entire Marvel universe laid out by the company. Fans have speculated that NetEase may have a desire to leave its own unique mark on the franchise, similar to the Luna Snow precedent. Alternatively, the company may have a desire to circumvent additional licensing costs for more obscure characters.

Marvel Rivals Breaks Canon With Bold New Heroes

Still, a fundamental question remains: should NetEase proceed with developing its own original characters at this specific juncture? While Marvel Rivals’ current roster is impressive, the exclusion of essential X-Men members like Cyclops and Rogue, as well as other major figures, such as She-Hulk, Vision, and Daredevil, doesn’t make sense to die-hard fans. Additionally, many players who feel the game is incomplete may be skeptical and bash it.

On the flip side, the company could be motivated to bring a specific gameplay feature to Marvel Rivals, such as filling a perceived gap in a particular class, like tanks or supports, where the Marvel canon may be lacking. So, how will these developers leverage their hard-won creative freedom while honoring the extensive wish lists of a passionate community? Only time will tell.

Visit Total Apex Gaming for more game-related news.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Gaming and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!