Summary
- NetEase Games has warned that modding Marvel Rivals could lead to permanent account bans, as it violates the game's terms of service.
- Season 1 of Marvel Rivals introduced new heroes and attempted to deter modding, but workarounds emerged quickly.
- It remains unclear if NetEase Games has issued any bans for modding yet.
NetEase Games, the developer and publisher behind the popular team shooter Marvel Rivals, has issued a stern warning to players: modding the game in any capacity could lead to a permanent ban. This statement comes in response to various modifications, ranging from cosmetic changes to gameplay-altering add-ons, which contravene the game's strict terms of service.
This announcement follows the launch of Season 1 for Marvel Rivals, which not only introduced new heroes like Invisible Woman and Mister Fantastic from the Fantastic Four but also implemented measures to prevent modding. Despite these efforts, some players found ways around these restrictions. For instance, a mod available on Nexus Mods during Season 1 bypassed NetEase's asset hash checks, allowing modifications. The mod's creator, Prafit, cautioned users about the risks of bans and recommended it only for those with high-end PCs. Additionally, another mod surfaced that transformed Mister Fantastic into Luffy from One Piece, showcasing the creative yet unauthorized modifications players were making.
Since its launch in December 2024, Marvel Rivals has garnered significant attention and success, attracting fans of both Marvel Comics and team shooters. Its popularity is further evidenced by its nomination for Online Game of the Year at the upcoming DICE Awards 2025, set to take place on February 13 in Las Vegas.
While some mods, such as one featuring US President-elect Donald Trump, have been taken down from Nexus Mods, Prafit's workaround remained available, amassing over 500 downloads at the time of this report. Despite occasional false bans reported since the game's release, NetEase Games has made it clear that modding violates their terms of service. The community awaits to see how NetEase will address this ongoing issue.
Marvel Rivals Warns Users to Stop Modding or Risk Bans
It is currently unclear whether NetEase Games has enforced any bans specifically for modding, but the company has reiterated that any form of modification, cheating, or hacking is prohibited. As the situation evolves, players and fans of Marvel Rivals will be keenly watching NetEase's next steps.
