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The relationship between modders and the developer is one of the most important things in a lot of games. But forMarvel Rivals, the honeymoon phase between the two has come to an abrupt end. The new Season 1 update brought asset hash checking, effectively disabling mods in the free-to-play hero shooter.
Marvel Rivalshas been a massive success since its release and has maintained more than 90% of its initial player base after its first month. While the move aligns with the game’s terms of service, it kinda takes away the community-driven PR that comes with mods.
Marvel Rivalsis just refusing free PR by removing mods
Modding has long been a staple of gaming culture, offering players a way to personalize their experience. InMarvel Rivalsplayers mostly used mods to add unofficial skins to their characters. From making Captain America to look like Donald Trump and bringing Vegeta to replace Iron Man, modders got very creative.
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But with the new update, NetEase has made it clear that modding is no longer welcome. This move aligns with the studio’s financial interests. Why allow free mods whenMarvel Rivalshas its own cosmetics (which by the way are amazing). What NetEase may not know is that this decision may inadvertently stifle the organic hype that mods have historically created for games.
NetEase’s decision to add asset hash checking to scan for altered game file has been met with both understanding and disappointment. For many, mods were harmless fun, visible only to the modder and offering no competitive edge. However, the publisher’s stance is clear: anything threatening their revenue stream is unacceptable.
The reaction from fans has been divisive. Some sympathize with the publisher’s vigilance in protecting its “golden goose.” Others, however, view this as an unnecessary witch-hunt against a community that brought vibrancy and humor to the game. Memorable mods, such as Iron Man reimagined as Vegeta fromDragon Ballor Mantis as a goth, had garnered attention and even generated organic publicity forMarvel Rivalson social media.
Mods in video games have already proven their use before
Modding has a long history of breathing new life into games. Titles likeCounter-Strikewhich was originally a mod forHalf-Life, became standalone successes. Even games with strict monetization models (gacha haha), such asGenshin Impact, have thriving modding scenes that coexist with official content.
Custom skin mods have been patched in#MarvelRivals👀NetEase has implemented asset hash checking in response to viral mods featuring Hatsune Miku Luna Snow and Vegeta Iron Man.📰 Source:@X0X_LEAKpic.twitter.com/MFL0wpc51h
The key is balance. How does NetEase come to terms with community contributions without compromising revenue? Unfortunately, the studio’s decision to straight-up disable mods suggests a lack of willingness to explore this middle ground. Whilethe game is easily beatingOverwatchin terms of numbers, this might be a bad move.
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NetEase could take a page from developers who have embraced modding in controlled ways. Allowing mods within certain but with limits such as restricting them to non-competitive modes could satisfy both creative players and corporate interests. Alternatively, they could create official modding tools or community events to channel player creativity in ways that align with their vision.
For now, NetEase’s measures appear effective, with mods no longer functioning. However, as with similar cases in gaming history, modders may eventually find other ways to start the cycle again. We’ll have to wait and see if NetEase’s crackdown will protect its golden goose or stifle its potential.
What do you think is NetEase plan with this move? Let us know in the comments!
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. you’re able to also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
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Marvel RivalsNetEase Games
