Mere hours after enraging Marvel Rivals players with the announcement of a mid-season rank reset, NetEase Games quickly u-turns: “Players will retain their ranks and scores”

Key Takeaways:

• NetEase Games reversed a planned mid-season rank reset for Marvel Rivals after player backlash.
• The reset would have reduced player ranks by four divisions, negating significant progress.
• Swift reversal occurred in less than 14 hours following the initial announcement.
• Developers acknowledged that frequent rank resets added pressure and diminished enjoyment.
• Players will keep their current ranks and receive mid-season rewards as planned.

Developers Scrap Controversial Rank Reset After Player Outcry

The Controversial Announcement

NetEase Games, the developer behind Marvel Rivals , recently announced a mid-season rank reset scheduled for February 21. The reset aimed to drop all players’ ranks by four divisions. As explained in the initial dev diary: “For example, if you ended the first half of Season 1 at Diamond 1, you’ll start the second half at Platinum 2.” This significant reduction meant that players stood to lose substantial progress they had diligently earned.

Community Backlash

The announcement was met with immediate and intense backlash from the Marvel Rivals community. Ranking up in the game requires considerable time and effort—a luxury not all players possess. Many felt that the reset undermined their dedication, as it effectively erased hours of gameplay. The prospect of losing progress midway through the season left players feeling frustrated and unheard.

NetEase’s Swift Reversal

In a remarkable turn of events, NetEase Games reversed its decision in less than 14 hours after the initial announcement. In a new dev diary, the developers stated unequivocally: “Players will retain their ranks and scores from the end of the first half.” This quick U-turn underscored the company’s responsiveness to its player base.

Acknowledging Player Concerns

NetEase Games didn’t merely reverse the decision; they acknowledged the community’s concerns. The developers noted, “A common concern was the pressure associated with having a rank reset every half-season, which has made participating in competitive mode less enjoyable.” By recognizing the negative impact on player experience, NetEase demonstrated a commitment to fostering an engaging and satisfying gaming environment.

Moving Forward with Rewards

While the rank reset has been scrapped, the season will still be split to grant mid-season rewards. Players who are at or above Gold, Grandmaster, and One Above All ranks by February 21 will receive bonuses. “To earn new rewards, players simply need to complete 10 matches in Competitive mode and meet the relevant conditions by the end of the season,” the developers explained. Rewards include a new Gold rank costume and various Crests of Honor with distinct designs for higher ranks.

Commitment to the Community

NetEase Games expressed gratitude toward their dedicated players, stating, “We strive to make Marvel Rivals the best game it can be, and the community is the driving force behind this mission!” This reaffirmation highlights the crucial role player feedback plays in the game’s development and evolution.

Conclusion

The swift reversal by NetEase Games showcases the power of community feedback in the gaming industry. By listening to their players and acting promptly, the developers not only averted potential dissatisfaction but also strengthened the trust and rapport with their audience. Marvel Rivals continues to thrive, bolstered by a player-centric approach that values communication and collaboration.