NetEase Faces Criticism Over Marvel Rivals Moderation Failures
NetEase, the company behind the popular Marvel Rivals game, is under fire for failing to adequately moderate player behavior within the game’s lobbies. Players have taken to social media platforms to express their frustrations with the lack of action taken by NetEase to address issues of racism, sexism, and other forms of harassment that occur during gameplay.
The outrage sparked when redditor Murkwan posted on the official Marvel Rivals subreddit, criticizing the game’s moderation and highlighting the prevalence of racist and sexist slurs in the game’s chat. Despite reporting these offensive players, many users claim they have not received any bans or penalties. This lack of enforcement has left players feeling frustrated and disheartened.
One player shared their experience of being subjected to insults and derogatory comments while playing the game. They explained how the constant harassment took a toll on their enjoyment of the game and made them hesitant to engage with random teammates. The sentiment was echoed by other players who shared similar stories of feeling targeted and marginalized within the game’s community.
The issue of harassment extends beyond gender, with Black players also sharing their struggles with toxic behavior in Marvel Rivals. Many players have resorted to turning off communication with random teammates to avoid further exposure to offensive remarks.
Social media platforms have also become a sounding board for disgruntled players, with some users posting screenshots of offensive usernames and calling out NetEase for failing to address these issues promptly. The inability to exit a match without facing penalties has compounded the problem, forcing players to endure uncomfortable interactions for the sake of gameplay.
In a poignant reflection, one player referenced Stan Lee’s vision for the Marvel universe as a space that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. They highlighted Lee’s stance against bigotry and racism, emphasizing that such behavior goes against the core values of the Marvel brand.
The thread on social media has garnered significant attention, with players and fans alike calling on NetEase to take action and create a safer and more welcoming environment for all players. The company has yet to respond to these concerns, leaving the community eagerly awaiting a resolution.
Despite the recent success of Marvel Rivals, NetEase has faced internal challenges, including layoffs within its US-based creative team. The decision to downsize was attributed to a need to streamline development processes, but some speculate that rising costs have also played a role in the restructuring.
As the gaming community continues to advocate for a more inclusive and respectful environment, the spotlight remains on NetEase to address the issues of moderation failures and ensure that all players can enjoy Marvel Rivals without fear of harassment or discrimination.
The conversation surrounding NetEase’s handling of player behavior in Marvel Rivals serves as a reminder of the importance of fostering a positive gaming community and upholding values of respect and inclusivity. As players navigate the virtual world of Marvel Rivals, they hope to see meaningful changes that promote a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
