Marvel Rivals: A Hero Every 45 Days? An Ambitious Plan
Marvel Rivals, the hit third-person hero shooter released in December 2024, boasts an impressive roster of 33 playable heroes at launch. But the game's developer, NetEase, isn't stopping there. They've announced a plan to introduce a new hero approximately every 45 days, resulting in a staggering eight new heroes annually. This significantly surpasses the output of competitors like Overwatch 2.
The game's first season is already showcasing this ambitious rollout. The Fantastic Four are being introduced in stages, with Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman already available, and The Thing and Human Torch slated for the second half of the season. Two new New York City maps have also been added, expanding the game's environments.
Game Director Guangyun Chen confirmed the 45-day release schedule in an interview with Metro, highlighting a two-hero-per-season structure. While NetEase has access to a vast library of Marvel characters, including less mainstream options like Jeff the Shark and Squirrel Girl, concerns remain about the feasibility of such a rapid release cycle.
The intensive testing and balancing required for each new hero, considering the existing 37 heroes and approximately 100 abilities, is a significant challenge. The potential for creative exhaustion regarding new abilities is also a factor. Unless NetEase possesses a substantial reserve of pre-developed heroes, the 45-day target seems daunting to many players.
Despite these concerns, Marvel Rivals players can anticipate the arrival of the remaining Fantastic Four members soon. Further additions, such as new maps or in-game events, are also possible during the second half of Season 1. Fans should stay tuned to Marvel Rivals' social media for updates.
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