NetEase Games has been actively updating Marvel Rivals with new skins, balance adjustments, and more since its recent launch. However, one feature not currently in development is a role queue. In an interview with Dot Esports, Marvel Rivals Creative Director Guangyun “Guangguang” Chen explained the team’s reasoning behind this decision.
The core philosophy, according to Chen, is to maximize player freedom in character selection. The goal is to avoid limiting players to specific roles based on team needs and instead encourage experimentation and enjoyment with their favorite Marvel heroes.
“We’re not considering a role queue right now,” Chen stated. “Our goal is to offer a wider variety of team compositions through team-up skills and character design, allowing players to truly embody their chosen Marvel superheroes without the constraints of predefined roles.”
While Chen’s statement doesn’t entirely rule out the possibility of a role queue in the future, it seems unlikely in the near term. This might disappoint fans of hero shooters like Overwatch 2, which implemented a role queue system in 2019. Role queues typically allow players to select their desired role before a match, theoretically reducing character selection pressure and promoting balanced team compositions. However, such systems have trade-offs, which likely contribute to NetEase’s current stance.
Luna Snow, a Strategist in Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals boasts a diverse roster of iconic Marvel characters, ranging from newer additions like Jeff the Land Shark and Luna Snow to established veterans like Spider-Man and Black Panther. With more heroes and villains planned for future releases, the developers are understandably hesitant to restrict player choices by enforcing rigid roles like Vanguards, Duelists, or Strategists. Chen emphasized the team’s ongoing data analysis to monitor game balance and player behavior.
“Our backend data indicates a healthy state of the game,” Chen explained. “We want to deliver a genuine Marvel experience where players have the freedom to choose their preferred characters. Since the closed beta, things have been progressing as expected. We’ve observed diverse team compositions emerging in Competitive play, and we’re closely monitoring their impact on the game.”
Further data analysis will likely inform future updates and adjustments to Marvel Rivals. Character balancing will undoubtedly continue to be a priority, ensuring a dynamic and engaging gameplay experience. Whether a role queue becomes necessary as the game evolves remains to be seen. The developers appear open to adapting their approach if required, which is encouraging for the game’s long-term health.
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As Marvel Rivals continues to develop, it will be fascinating to observe the ongoing evolution of the game’s meta and how player choices shape the competitive landscape. Hopefully, NetEase maintains its commitment to player freedom while ensuring a balanced and engaging experience for all.
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