Marvel Rivals backlash grows

A look at Marvel Rivals matchmaking dispute plus updates on Max Payne remakes and a retro emulation handheld

Marvel Rivals faces backlash tied to matchmaking amid review wave

Marvel Rivals, a NetEase published hero shooter, is facing a wave of Steam reviews that accuse the game of engagement-optimized matchmaking. The studio denies the charge and says it does not use EOMM, promising a video next week to explain how matchmaking and ranking work. The dispute highlights a broader demand for transparent systems that balance challenge with fun.

Remedy Entertainment reported earnings and gave updates on its Max Payne remakes with Rockstar Games. The company says Control 2 is on track, while collaboration with Rockstar remains close as the project moves toward its next phase. Remedy also notes that FBC Firebreak underperformed at launch, and a major September update is planned. A third project is in development, likely Alan Wake 3 or a new Remedy IP.

Hypixel Studios founder Simon Collins-Laflamme has offered to buy Hytale from Riot Games, calling the bid a major commitment after years in development. He claims the offer is ten times the market value and vows to keep Hytale alive for players.

GTA V Enhanced gains DLSS 4 Multi Frame Generation support on PC, improving ray tracing and frame rates. The update keeps the title relevant while fans wait for GTA 6.

MagicX teased a new device called Retro 45, combining N64 style controls with Dreamcast emulation. The project joins a growing line of emulation hardware aimed at nostalgia fans, with interest building on the MagicX Discord channel.

The era of big spectacle tech and long running franchises makes audiences wary of promises that fade in the long run. Clear, verifiable explanations of how systems work matter as much as flashy demos. When a studio commits to a dev insights video, it shifts the burden from vague denials to measurable transparency. The mix of remakes, live services, and nostalgia hardware shows the industry chasing multiple revenue streams, not just one big hit.

Investors will watch closely how these moves affect trust and long term value. Backlash can fade if studios prove they listen and adapt fast, but it can also harden into lasting skepticism if updates stall or explanations stay vague. The current narrative around Marvel Rivals tests whether transparency is enough to calm a restless community while the rest of the market tests new ways to combine established brands with fresh experiences.

Highlights

The next updates will reveal if talk translates into trust