NetEase, the developer behind Marvel Rivals, a Marvel-themed hero shooter reminiscent of Overwatch, recently issued an apology for a contentious clause found in its content creator contract. Uncovered during the closed alpha testing phase, this clause prohibited creators from making disparaging remarks about the game. The discovery, brought to light by streamer and former professional Overwatch player Brandon Larned, known as Seagull, prompted widespread criticism of the developer, NetEase.
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The clause not only barred creators from publishing negative reviews but also restricted them from comparing Marvel Rivals to competitors, notably Blizzard’s Overwatch. NetEase faced significant backlash for what was perceived as an attempt to suppress even constructive criticism of the game. In response to community concerns, the developer issued a public apology, acknowledging the adverse impact of the overly restrictive terms.
NetEase expressed regret for any confusion, suspicion, or frustration stemming from the miscommunication surrounding the content creator contract. The company emphasized its commitment to fostering an environment where creators feel empowered to share honest feedback, whether positive or negative. Recognizing the significance of player input in shaping the gaming experience, NetEase pledged to revise the contract to be less restrictive and more conducive to collaboration with creators.
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The Content Creator Program, described as a modest initiative aimed at supporting creators in producing engaging content, is integral to NetEase’s strategy for Marvel Rivals. The company underscored its appreciation for the valuable insights and suggestions provided by players and creators alike, emphasizing its willingness to listen and adapt based on feedback.
The full statement made on X reads: “Dear Marvel Rivals players, Today is the third day of the Closed Alpha Test, and we are truly grateful for all the love and support from the community. We would like to take this opportunity to address the concerns we’ve seen regarding the agreement terms of Content Creator Programs and, above all, we would like to apologize for any unpleasant experiences or doubts caused by the miscommunication of these terms. The Content Creator Program is a small-scale project that aims to aid in the production of incredible content by supporting Creators by giving them more resources. We actively encourage Creators to share their honest thoughts, suggestions, and criticisms as they play. All feedback, positive and negative, ultimately helps us craft the best experience for ourselves and the players.
We sincerely apologize for the confusion, suspicion, and frustration caused by these excessively restrictive terms and thank you for sharing with us. We cherish and appreciate every suggestion given by our players and always respect your feedback. We are currently working with Creators who have expressed these concerns and are revising the current version to be less restrictive and more Creator-friendly. Thank you for bearing with us while we make these adjustments. We hope you are enjoying the game so far and we are always open to hearing your sincere thoughts and ideas on how we can improve the game. Marvel Rivals Team”
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NetEase assured the community that it is actively engaging with creators who raised concerns about the restrictive terms and is working to implement changes that promote a more collaborative and creator-friendly environment. The developer expressed gratitude for the patience and understanding of the community during this process of adjustment.
Meanwhile, Marvel Rivals continues to generate anticipation as a 6v6 team-based free-to-play shooter featuring iconic characters from the Marvel universe. The game boasts an impressive roster of iconic heroes and villains, including Black Panther, Doctor Strange, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and many more. With its multiversal adventure setting and diverse lineup of characters, Marvel Rivals promises an immersive gaming experience for fans of the franchise.
While a release date for Marvel Rivals has yet to be announced, the developer’s commitment to addressing community feedback and fostering a more open dialogue with creators suggests a willingness to improve.
Let us know in the comments what you think about NetEase’s restrictive clauses in granting access to Marvel Rivals.
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Marvel is run by Evil Marxists who hate Dissenting Voices.