NetEase hints at fresh heroes in Marvel Rivals

NetEase hints at creating original characters for Marvel Rivals, signaling a potential shift in roster strategy

NetEase Hints at Fresh Heroes in Marvel Rivals

The Marvel Rivals roster already features a wide slate of Marvel icons. NetEase's Guangyun Chen told MP1st that the team is allowed to introduce original characters and that fans should stay tuned for updates, though no release date was announced. The possibility echoes how other games build new heroes in ongoing seasons, and it raises questions about how such characters would fit alongside staples like the Avengers and Fantastic Four.

Luna Snow, a popular character in Marvel Rivals, started as an original character in Marvel Future Fight. This precedent shows that OC heroes can gain traction outside the comics, but it also highlights the balancing act NetEase will face: pacing the roster, managing cosmetics, and keeping focus on beloved canonical heroes. Kotaku’s review of Marvel Rivals provides additional context for how the game is currently balancing its roster and player expectations.

The move to consider original heroes reflects a broader industry trend: studios test fresh IP inside big universes to boost engagement and monetization. If NetEase succeeds, it could expand gameplay variety and give players new ways to compete. If not, it risks diluting the Marvel identity and triggering confusion among longtime fans.

With Marvel Rivals still in its first year, any OC strategy should avoid rushing new faces. Clear rules on how originals are earned or bought, and a transparent timeline for when new characters appear, will be essential to preserve trust with players and partners.

Highlights

The next moves will reveal how NetEase balances fan expectations with creative risk.