How Marvel Rivals aims to deliver the best hero shooter in the multiverse
12.2.2024
By Chris Baker, Contributor
There were no subtle teases here. Everyone watching knew to expect a fast-paced hero shooter—check that, a fast-paced superhero shooter—starring an eclectic mix of Marvel heroes and villains, from the incredible and amazing to the uncanny and invincible. We saw characters collaborating and buildings crumbling, all with an eye-catching art style that not only wears its Eastern influences on its sleeve, but also manages to add new flair to characters we’ve admired for decades. This new flair also extends to the hero-shooter genre itself when Rivals launches this Friday, Dec. 6.
The team makes no bones about the importance of maximizing the Marvel as the key to succeeding in the always-competitive hero-shooter space. “We were driven to answer the question, ’what story does this game tell?’,” recalls Jinghua, the game’s Lead Narrative Designer. “As a game bearing the name Marvel, we were compelled to meet these expectations.”
More than simply making characters look cool and having them execute their powers in impressive ways—both of which abound, make no mistake—Rivals clearly relies on its narrative in ways that might surprise anyone booting up the game to simply Hulk out and dodge webs for a few minutes at a time. From general game design to the storytelling itself, NetEase has firmly established its own corner of the Marvel Multiverse: it’s a place where story drives everything, all in the name of creating the next game you’ll actively want to play regularly for years to come.
“Following the establishment of the universe, we engaged in extensive discussions with the Marvel team regarding the narrative design,” continues Jinghua. “We presented the vision of an immersive world backdrop, stunning visuals, and a narrative delivery with boundless impact. We aimed to transcend traditional storytelling methods by integrating narrative elements into PvP gameplay, allowing players to understand the reasons behind conflicts and infusing intrigue into every aspect of our game.”
Classy choices
The PvP gameplay Jinghua references should ring familiar to hero-shooter veterans. Rivals mixes six-versus-six combat with a third-person perspective. The most successful teams brave the ensuant chaos with an effective mix of classes known as Vanguards, Duelists, and Strategists. “It’s challenging to pinpoint a definitive ’best’ team,” says Zhiyong, the Lead Combat Designer. “In high-level play, the choices are contingent on the opponents’ lineup and the preferred roles of our teammates. This dynamic decision-making is part of what makes the game so engaging and diverse.”
Assigning characters their classes appears to be one of the rare instances where NetEase adapted Marvel heroes to fit gameplay requirements rather than molding the game’s form around Rivals’ narrative shell. Some characters serve the exact roles you’d likely predict: The mighty Thor tanking his way through the battlefield with godly precision as a Vanguard; Scarlet Witch at your DPService as a magic-wielding Duelist; Loki supporting his teammates (and maybe his own agenda) with elegant trickery as a Strategist.
Still, even no-brainer class assignments like the Hulk may not be executed as straightforwardly as you’d think. “As a Vanguard, the Hulk’s abilities are tailored to emphasize his incredible resilience and protective capabilities,” says Zhiyong. The character not only appears as Hero Hulk but also in ultra-powerful Monster form, and even puny human Banner, pew-pew-pewing away with a gamma gun. “His super jump enables agile pursuit or disengagement from combat, while his ultimate ability form delivers substantial damage. This Vanguard adaptation allows us to highlight different aspects of the Hulk’s abilities.”
Other class assignments might surprise you. For example, surely the little guy who’s much better known as an actual pew-pew-pewer is a Duelist, right? “Currently, Rocket Raccoon stands out as the most distinct from his typical interpretation,” says Zhiyong, also describing the path of thought that landed the Half-Worlder as a Strategist: “Our design process led us to recognize his role as the super-engineer of the Guardians of the Galaxy. While maintaining his iconic jetpack and formidable firearm, we also equipped him with a range of miraculous devices to aid his teammates, reflecting his supportive nature within the team dynamic.”
Team me up, Spidey
You know what’s also flarkin’ cool about Rocket? Thanks to one of Rivals’ standout gameplay features, he can totally take his iconic position atop Groot’s shoulder for some added power. It’s just one example of the Team-Up mechanic—a pairing dubbed Planet X Pals in this case—that enables certain characters to join forces for added benefits.
“The Team-Up abilities are deeply rooted in the natural bond and teamwork evident throughout the Marvel Universe,” says Zhiyong. “It’s a design principle embraced by both our team and Marvel, serving as a fantastic entry point for authentic Marvel experiences while expanding gameplay possibilities. Our Team-Up designs start by delving into the potential interactions between characters. This includes iconic pairings like Rocket Raccoon riding on Groot’s back, as well as synergies based on characters’ abilities, such as Hulk’s gamma energy enhancing Iron Man and Doctor Strange, or Venom symbiote reinforcing Peni Parker and Spider-Man.”
But…what if you’re Venom and no one chose to play as either Peni or Spidey? What if you’re Tony with no Stephen, or Rocket with no Groot? How integral can Team-Ups be if the identities of other heroes on your team is outside your control? “In our initial design phase, we took this concern into account,” says Zhiyong. “To address this, we created combinations of two to three characters, making it easier to trigger Team-Ups within smaller groups.”
HULK SMASH!!! (Well, EVERYONE SMASH, really)
While some Team-Ups favor function over flash (e.g., Hela may resurrect Thor or Loki as part of Ragnarok Rebirth), the flashier ones benefit greatly from NetEase’s decision to prioritize destruction as a gameplay mechanic for Rivals. “As a superhero team-based PvP game, destruction is essential,” says Zhiyong. “Destruction and environmental interaction are vital components of our level design.”
The team has adopted what Zhiyong refers to as a “layered approach” when it comes to integrating these elements into gameplay, with all three layers combining for “a rich and ever-evolving gameplay environment.” “The first layer focuses on heightening the superhero combat experience by introducing dynamic destruction, adding extra feedback to battles. As the fight progresses, certain areas break and buildings collapse, intensifying the action.”
Layer two proves destruction doesn’t just look cool—it can be downright strategic. “The second layer introduces dynamic experiences through scene destruction within level structures. For example, the collapse of a high platform can shift strategic positions, while breaking through walls can create new pathways. Moreover, the destruction of cover can expose previously secure locations to enemy attacks, fundamentally altering the gameplay experience.”
Finally, layer three incorporates Rivals’ very backbone—the narrative element. “The third layer builds upon this foundation by incorporating special destruction mechanisms tailored to each distinct level theme. For instance, in Tokyo 2099, collapsed structures are suspended in midair by spider webs, creating unique aerial covers, catering to distinctive gameplay experiences for flying heroes or those with abilities to ascend high platforms.”
Easter eggs with meaning
Each environment (each Chronoverse, to use Rivals’ in-game vernacular) is meticulously designed with destruction in mind, but you also have to admire NetEase’s attention to detail—the obvious care taken to ensure they match the stories being told. “In map design, we focus on two core approaches: ’twist’ and ’link,’’” says Jinghua. “Rather than replicating specific comic issue settings, we reimagine each map’s background based on the conceptual world and the season’s narrative.”
In other words, you’re not just getting Asgard—you’re getting Yggsgard, a version of Thor’s home now completely merged with the World Tree Yggdrasil. And Wakanda? It “exists as an advanced interstellar empire in the 2099 timeline, diverging from its earthly origins,” says Jinghua. Both Yggsgard and Wakanda 2099 vitally serve the narrative at launch just as new environments promise to as the story progresses season by season.
“In crafting the maps, our approach involves close collaboration between the narrative, level design, and art teams,” elaborates Jinghua. “The narrative team initiates the map design process by creating the map’s story and world setting, emphasizing the conflict between factions, and the presence of Chronovium [explained below]. We then establish core information points and work closely with the level and art teams to create an initial map framework.”
And then there’s the fun part—the part that Marvelizes the game even more than the creations of Stan Lee and friends unleashing hell upon each other inherently does on its own. “According to the map story, we focus on creating numerous Easter eggs to bring the story to life.”
No matter the map, you’re going to see what Jinghua is talking about. But let’s take a few moments to break down one particular setting: Though the 2099 universe isn’t exactly foreign to mainstream Marvel fans after Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and Activision Spidey games Shattered Dimensions and Edge of Time, you could still argue the very existence of Tokyo 2099 is its own deep cut further “twisted and linked” by NetEase’s own creative expansion. A Tokyo of the future presumably thriving since Marvel’s Godzilla comic license expired in 1979. An easter egg on its own housing a slew of other, smaller references.
How many can you identify on your own here, True Believer?
- Pixel Corp: Having appeared in nine comic issues ever (eight of those being Doom 2099), they make robots or something.
- Green Globe: We’d tell you what Green Globe does…but that would involve actually reading its associated comic, Ravage 2099. (Sorry, Stan!)
- 3A) Horizon Labs and 3B) Alchemax: Get your pitchforks, geeks! In the Rivals universe, Peter Parker’s employer during his “Big Time” era in the Amazing Spider-Man issues of the early ’10s apparently never merged with Allan Chemical to form Alchemax—very much the biggest of all big bads in 2099.
- Stark-Fujikawa (dimly lit): The result of a merger between Stark Enterprises and Fujikawa Corporation. Maybe you’ve heard of a dead guy named Tony? They’re pretty evil without him.
- D/Monix: Would you believe a cybernetics/human-augmentation company called D/Monix (itself derived from the no less shady-sounding “Data Manipulation and Organization Networks”) comes straight out of the pages of Ghost Rider 2099? Sure as hell does!
- Beyond Corporation: You know that The Amazing Spider-Man: Beyond story arc you heard was pretty good back in ’22 but never got around to reading? This corrupt multiversal corporation is why it’s called that.
- Public Eye: A futuristic police force run by Alchemax. More specifically, it’s a futuristic police force run by a guy at Alchemax who calls himself the Fearmaster. That’s kind of all you need to know.
- Yashida: Clan Yashida (including the Silver Samurai, seen to the lower right) is arguably Wolverine’s biggest personal enemy outside of Sabretooth in the comics. You may remember them best, though, from The Wolverine (2013) starring Hugh Jackman—which is where the logo you see here originated. Less than a decade ago, real-life corporate politics likely would have outright prohibited the mere reference of Yashida, much less iconography created by Fox before Disney purchased it.
- Parker Industries: Peter’s own failed take on being Tony Stark (as instigated by Doctor Octopus…long story). Here, his corporation links to SP//DR, the alter-ego of Peni Parker—a playable Rivals character best known as Into the Spider-Verse’s anime-inspired Spider. The translated Japanese text below reads, “Parker Industries’ Ultimate Weapon,” suggesting Rivals’ version of Peni derived from a future version of Peter’s company that actually survived. In the Spider-Verse comics, she owes her mech suit to Oscorp.
- Douglas Jazz Night: As in master saxophonist Arthur Douglas, as in the human name for Drax the Destroyer—the comic-book version, anyway.
Jinghua elaborates further: “The inclusion of business names within the map serves to establish an authentic portrayal of Tokyo in the 2099 timeline. Our setting reflects a world marked by technological advancement and societal upheaval, where climate degradation and superhuman conflicts have erased the remnants of the Heroic Age. In this narrative, tech corporations have reshaped the world using advanced technology of uncertain origins. Entities like Alchemax, Stark-Fujikawa, Roxxon Energy Corporation, and Clan Yashida now control territories once occupied by numerous countries.”
There are even deeper things at play here than what’s hinted at by the skyline. “The vigilante actions of the various Web-Warriors brought here through the Web of Life and Destiny have disrupted the underground operations of these corporate giants,” explains Jinghua. “As a result, the private police force Public Eye reacts, which triggers several other heroes into action to form an all-new group specific to 2099 to be revealed later. These intricate details are interwoven into the heroes’ background narratives and the map’s broadcast lines, creating a seamless immersion reflected in the company signs within the scene.”
Let’s be honest—most of you reading this would never stop to consider all the thought Jinghua and his team have put into such intricacies; you’re just going to blast it apart. But the more you’re there, the more you’ll soak it all in, and the more you’ll feel part of what’s going on.
Dooms’ Days of Future Present
So what actually is going on? Why is everyone fighting in the first place? “This challenge has been a central focus for our narrative team,” says Jinghua. “We deliberated extensively on how to seamlessly integrate PvP dynamics into our overarching narrative, transforming it into a clash between parallel universes and an internal conflict among heroes.”
Jinghua identifies Doctor Doom as “the nuanced starting point of our game narrative.” It’s obvious exploring the character many would identify as Marvel’s greatest supervillain intrigued his team. “While not a classic hero, is Doom purely evil?” says Jinghua. “His admirers would argue otherwise. The intricacies of human nature naturally lead heroes to divergent choices. Our role is to craft these situations, provide the platform, and witness them naturally take opposing stances.”
Purely evil or not, it probably wasn’t the best idea for present-day Doctor Doom and Doom 2099 to both dabble with the timestream at the same time…however that works. Next thing you know, a “temporal turbulence” known as the Timestream Entanglement is wreaking havoc upon all four of Rivals’ opening Chronoverses.
“This entanglement caused an infinite intertwining of the past and potential futures, leading to the collapse and merging of timelines, resulting in temporal eruptions and leaving physical traces across various universes,” explains Jinghua. “These physical traces materialize as Chronovium, which crystallizes temporal energy, assuming different forms in different locations.”
Hence the narrative-driven environments described earlier. “The chaotic universe has brought crises and disasters everywhere,” continues Jinghua. “Heroes rally to fight back, hoping to eliminate the time-space rift and undo the Timestream Entanglement.”
To hardcore comic fans, this backdrop might evoke memories of 2015’s Secret Wars, when realities fought for their survival as universe-ending Incursions threatened their very existence(s). For everyone else…it’s one hell of a backdrop to shoot at pop-culture icons.
Each battle’s star, Galacta
Alas, not every major character associated with Rivals’ overall narrative enters the scene with “pop-culture icon” status. You need look—well, hear—no further than the announcer for each match to appreciate just how deep NetEase dug to find the ideal character for each role.
“Our primary objective was to infuse the announcer system with a vibrant persona, aiming to deliver battle commentary that felt engaging and dynamic, rather than sterile and mechanical,” says Jinghua. “To achieve this, we sought a character from the comics who could break the fourth wall, boast a cosmic lineage, and exude liveliness and charm. Galacta emerged as the ideal choice.”
No, that’s not a typo—besides, “liveliness and charm” don’t exactly describe fan-favorite supervillain Galactus’ world-devouring disposition. But, if you delve into one particular Marvel reality (created as a joke in 2009 for Marvel Assistant-Sized Spectacular #2), you’ll find a story detailing the time a parasite spawned from the Devourer of Worlds, yielding a human-sized female version of Galan (yes, Galactus has a real name). She chose to call herself Galacta, and though she shared her father’s earth-devouring impulses, they kinda totally grossed her out.
A 15-year-old nine-page story plus a handful of 14-year-old digital comics doesn’t usually place a character in prime position to serve as the face of a AAA major game release. In fact, it’s entirely possible she said more in her short-lived real-life Twitter/X account than she ever has in comics. But as Zhiyong puts it: “We [could] choose from the entire Marvel IP lineup, encompassing over 85 years of rich history,” so they took full advantage, resulting in what has to be the most major role for a minor character since Capcom tapped Shuma-Gorath as one of 13 playable fighters in Marvel Super Heroes.
“Her limited appearances in the comics actually afforded us greater creative liberty, enabling us to craft an announcer with a truly unique and captivating presence,” says Jinghua. “Crafting a character with limited appearances required multiple consultations with the Marvel team to solidify her foundational character profile.” He identifies Cassandra Lee Morris (Fortnite’s Sarah Hotep) as “the perfect fit” to voice the character.
“Galacta holds a pivotal role within our game’s universe,” elaborates Jinghua. “Far from being a mere bystander, she possesses a compelling and entirely fresh backstory, along with concealed motives that will gradually unravel throughout forthcoming seasons. While I can disclose that her role is intricately linked to her father, the full extent of her impact on the narrative will unfold over time.”
A continuing saga with mountains of lore
It sounds like Galacta’s full story could take months or even years to tell, which is fine because there’s no shortage of other lore to envelop yourself in as you wait. Aside from the visual storytelling that occurs both within and outside of the game itself, Rivals allows players to unlock other tales of adventure within this universe through page upon digital page of written prose. Jinghua describes these stories—often featuring unexpected yet fascinating pairings, like Magneto and Namor, or Magik and Venom—as “essential reading for understanding the season’s narrative. The cutscene animations for each map, hero interactions, and the gallery system also play a crucial role in presenting each season’s story.”
That word “season” sure does pop up a lot, doesn’t it? You can tell the narrative team has a long-term plan for the new characters they’ll attach to it, and even new and updated Team-Ups. “Our commitment to season updates is fundamental, offering a complete themed season content experience,” says Jinghua, who suggests we should have something new to look forward to approximately every three months starting with Season 2. “Each season will be centered around a specific story theme, driving the introduction of new characters, maps, costumes, and even gameplay dynamics for that season.”
That’s good to hear because, for as many heroes as Rivals is set to launch with, odds are the lineup still lacks a favorite or two of yours. NetEase kept things close to the vest when asked about specific future character releases, but if one of your favorites is someone you know a lot of others love too, it stands to reason they’re in the rollout plan—and with compelling narrative arcs attached. Future MCU releases, we’re throwing some serious pure speculation in your direction!
From “WHO?” to “WHOA!”
Still, just how do decisions such as including the likes of Jeff the Shark and Luna Snow before characters most fans are more familiar with get made? “Our decisions are steered by gameplay necessities and the desires of Marvel fans, ensuring a balanced and engaging experience,” says Zhiyong.
“Our goal is to feature not only well-known Avengers, X-Men, and Guardians of the Galaxy members, but also characters rarely seen in derivative works,” adds Jinghua. “Those that truly excite comic fans, such as Galacta, Luna Snow, and Jeff. We aim for Marvel Rivals to serve as a gateway for gamers to explore and embrace the Marvel Universe.”
Of course, this isn’t just any Marvel Universe—this is NetEase’s own take on the material, not unlike how the Marvel Cinematic Universe draws from the comics and differs where it needs to. That degree of freedom led to the team enhancing certain characters’ abilities for the sake of more compelling gameplay.
“We distill their core essence and build our skill design around these elements, ensuring that we’re not merely assembling existing abilities and being beholden to previous representations, but crafting a unique experience exclusive to Marvel Rivals,” says Zhiyong.
Perhaps no one in the game better embodies that mentality at launch than the Winter Soldier. “We consider his iconic mechanical arm as one of his core essences,” explains Zhiyong. “We explored its potential, contemplating what a high-tech mechanical arm could do, what new, distinctive features it could possess, etc. This approach maintains the character’s authenticity while delivering a fresh and exclusive gameplay experience.”
In this case, “fresh and exclusive” means enhancing the powers of Bucky’s arm in ways never seen before, like a Kraken Impact punch to the ground that splits his mechanical arm into a collection of tendrils before delivering a devastating area-of-effect blow. There’s also the way he throws his lustrous limb out to grab enemies like he’s fighting his mortal enemy Sub-Zero in Outworld. “Marvel’s team appreciates this approach, making the overall design supervision process quite seamless,” Zhiyong says.
Monetization and customary costumary practices
The Winter Soldier is just one of the whopping 33 characters available to play as at launch, all for free. By comparison, genre behemoth Overwatch launched with 21 heroes, not hitting 33 until Sojourn’s release nearly six years later, just a few months before the switch to Overwatch 2. Its current total is 41.
If you’re looking to spend some cash, though, NetEase’s Lead Console Designer Aden explains the game’s profits will derive from “straightforward methods such as battle passes and direct sales in the in-game store,” including “costumes, emotes, sprays, etc.”
Yep, costumes, which are seemingly as important to some modern superhero gamers as gameplay and narrative. “When it comes to selecting costumes, our process is dynamic and multifaceted,” says Jinghua. “We plan several categories.”
Along with expected types like MCU and Comic Classics (e.g., the Anti-Venom and Venom: Space Knight examples above), Jinghua promises Seasonal Story suits derived from the narrative, Holiday Costumes festively tailored to game events, and Popular Themes (“enduring themes from various media are merged with our heroes to create costumes, such as the 1872 series, which embraces a Western retro and steampunk”).
Have we said ’nuff?
NetEase enters the launch window with great confidence, bolstered by how “playtests have even exceeded our expectations,” according to Zhiyong. “The overall test data looks extremely promising, instilling confidence in the bright future of the game.”
Jinghua shares Zhiyong’s optimistic spirit. You can’t help but sense a degree of awe when he reflects upon the state of the game. “Today, Marvel Rivals stands as an integral part of the Marvel game lineup,” he says. “The new narratives crafted for beloved superheroes have reached innumerable Marvel enthusiasts—some of whom were once just like us. This achievement fills us with immense pride.”