Fired Marvel Rivals devs show off early version of brand-new map for NetEase’s hero shooter

NetEase Games stunned the gaming world this February by laying off its entire American development team for Marvel Rivals, a hero shooter with over 20 million players since its December 2024 release. The layoffs, announced on February 18, 2025, included game director Thaddeus Sasser, who pioneered the game’s famous team-up abilities, which allow characters to combine their skills for dynamic gameplay.

Sasser vented his dissatisfaction on LinkedIn, writing, “My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games… and were laid off.” NetEase said the Seattle-based team was only a “maintenance team” focused on support jobs, which sparked skepticism given that the group was key in designing maps and hero team-up features, both of which were critical to the game’s success.

The cuts came despite Marvel Rivals’ top daily Steam player count of over 300,000. NetEase described the decision as an effort to “optimize development efficiency,” pointing out that the core staff in China remained intact. Now, a new twist has emerged: a laid-off developer has leaked an early peek of a brand new Marvel Rivals map, giving fans an insight into the game’s growing world amidst the controversy.

Marvel Rivals ex-dev shares early concepts of brand-new map

Paul Sandler, a former Marvel Rivals developer, has posted a LinkedIn post displaying early concept sketches for Arrako, a crucial location in the Marvel Universe that appears in the game’s latest season. His post provides a rare peek into the development process. Sandler’s contributions emphasize the intricate world-building that went into creating Arrako, a planet linked to the X-Men mythos and famed for its war-torn past and mutant society.

Sandler describes how he helped shape Arrako’s aesthetic, emphasizing the rough, battle-scarred landscapes and lively cultural features. The early drawings combine technological and ancient ideas, representing the planet’s dual character as a conflict and a source of strength. His enthusiasm for the project shines through as he recounts working with artists and designers to bring this classic Marvel setting to life in a way that appeals to fans and complements Marvel Rivals’ fast-paced gameplay.

Furthermore, ex-director Thaddeus Sasser shared the post on his profile, saying, “A look into some of the processes Mr. Sandler uses to great effect!” Since the director was also one of the affected ones, the player community has come forward on a platform like LinkedIn to show support to the creative minds behind what Rivals is today.