Marvel Rivals is off to an impressive start, even before the launch of its first official season. With over 20 million active players in just three weeks, NetEase is riding a wave of momentum that could establish this comic book-themed hero shooter as a significant player in the live service market. The game has cultivated a lively and dedicated fan base, which comes with its own mix of benefits and drawbacks.
A game that reaches the level of popularity seen with Marvel Rivals usually attracts a dynamic and flourishing modding community. This is generally a wonderful aspect, as mods keep players engaged and highlight the community’s inventive spirit. Yet, in the case of Marvel Rivals, it may be more advantageous for the game’s future to limit user access to mods.
Why Marvel Rivals Needs to Crack Down On Mods
Client-Side Cosmetic Mods Decrease Marvel Rivals’ Ability to Effectively Monetize
In the realm of mods, there’s a universal agreement that some should be outright banned, especially those that grant players an unfair advantage over others. Most people would support NetEase in its efforts to combat cheaters who disrupt the gaming experience for everyone. Sadly, the issue extends beyond just these specific mods that need to be addressed by NetEase.
One of the key reasons for the success of Marvel Rivals is that it’s free-to-play. This makes it easily accessible to anyone with a PC or console that can handle it. The game generates revenue solely through transactions in its in-game store, similar to how Fortnite and Apex Legends operate, relying on cosmetic purchases to thrive.
Client-side mods that alter a character’s appearance might seem innocuous at first glance, but they could pose challenges for NetEase in maintaining the game in the coming years. For instance, a mod that dresses Captain America in his Avengers: Infinity War outfit reflects a player’s personal taste. However, if NetEase later introduces that skin, they risk losing revenue from players who already have the mod.
It’s a tough situation, but the developers have made a decision that is essential for the long-term support of the game. Marvel Rivals stands out as one of the most exciting hero shooters we’ve seen in recent years. With a vast array of Marvel heroes and villains available, there’s a great opportunity for it to grow and outshine its rivals in just a few years. It would be a shame if the game had to close down prematurely due to a lack of revenue from unofficial fan-made mods.
On the Bright Side of the Marvel Rivals Modding Situation
It’s not all bad news! While the free-to-play aspect of the game means that NetEase will need to take action against cosmetic mods, the upside is that fans can look forward to a variety of new cosmetic options to satisfy their craving for fresh content and skins.
Cosmetics play a crucial role in a free-to-play game like Marvel Rivals, and it’s clear that a wide variety of them will be introduced. Just as NetEase will need to enforce strict rules against mods to maintain their revenue, they must also ensure a steady flow of cosmetic content. With each character boasting a rich history of alternate outfits from comics, films, and TV series, players can look forward to an abundance of choices for customizing their beloved heroes.