Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Disables Mods

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update: The End of Custom Mods

Marvel Rivals' Season 1 update has seemingly rendered custom-made mods unusable, a move likely driven by the game's free-to-play business model. While not explicitly announced, players have discovered their previously functional mods are now ineffective.

This change isn't surprising. NetEase Games, the developer, has consistently maintained that mod usage violates the game's terms of service, even for purely cosmetic modifications. Past actions, such as banning a mod featuring Donald Trump as Captain America, further underscore this policy. The Season 1 update appears to have implemented hash checking, a technique verifying data authenticity and effectively eliminating widespread modding.

The Season 1 update itself boasts significant additions, including the Fantastic Four as playable characters (Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman are currently available, with the Thing and Human Torch anticipated later), a new Battle Pass, updated maps, and a new game mode, Doom Match.

The impact on the community is mixed. While some players appreciate NetEase's efforts to protect the game's monetization strategy, others mourn the loss of customizable content, with some mod creators sharing their unreleased work on platforms like Twitter. The presence of previously controversial mods, including nude character skins, also contributed to the decision.

Ultimately, the ban on mods is a calculated business move for the free-to-play Marvel Rivals. The game's revenue relies heavily on in-app purchases of cosmetic items. The availability of free, custom mods would directly undermine this revenue stream, jeopardizing the game's long-term viability.