Marvel Rivals Apologizes Following Alpha Banning Controversy

Marvel Rivals

By Trumann Tu

Published May 12, 2024

Thread

Marvel Rivals

Highlights

Marvel Rivals' closed alpha test sparks controversy over a non-disparagement clause for content creators, restricting negative criticism.
Streamer Brandon Larned exposed the contract clause that bans critical comments, causing backlash in the gaming community.
Developer NetEase issued an apology and promised to revise contract terms, welcoming constructive feedback from players and creators.

Following the launch of Marvel Rivals' closed alpha test, concerns have been raised about a controversial requirement to access it. Players can gain access to Marvel Rivals' alpha through the game's Content Creator program, though controversy has been kicked up due to the contract restricting the ability for fans to negatively criticize Marvel Rivals.

Marvel Rivals is Marvel's latest attempt in the gaming space, with this game being a third-person team shooter that gives players access to the abilities of many of the brand's iconic heroes. Developed by NetEase, Rivals is a 6v6 third-person shooter, similar to games like Overwatch or Paladins. With the alpha test underway, some streamers have requested access to the game via its Content Creator program, but the conditions are concerning for some.

marvel-rivals-hela-gameplay-abilities-999

Marvel Rivals Reveals Hela Gameplay and Abilities

Marvel Rivals reveals Hela's abilities, and gives players a preview of what the Goddess of Death's gameplay will be like in the 6v6 shooter.

This concern was first raised by streamer Brandon Larned, who shared a screenshot of the clauses in Marvel Rivals' closed alpha contract. He specifically points out the "non-disparagement" clause, which prohibits players from making satirical or malicious comments about the game or its material, with comparisons between Marvel Rivals and other games being viable grounds for breaking the contract. While clauses like this are fairly common for sponsorship agreements, streamers are asked to do this in order to just get access to the game, and are not being paid to promote the game.

Marvel Rivals' Controversy and Apology, Explained

With such a broad scope on what counts as "disparagement," this has caused quite a stir among the community, with some players being banned without realizing the terms of this contract. The developers released a statement addressing these terms, with NetEase saying it is aware of the "inappropriate and misleading terms" regarding the non-disparagement clause to access Marvel Rivals' closed alpha, and apologized for any miscommunication. The developers state that they are open to both suggestions and criticisms about the game, wishing to make Marvel Rivals better and satisfy gamers.

The conditions of the contract are also going to be revised, with progress being shared with every content creator. Regarding the closed alpha codes for Marvel Rivals, they can be obtained by reaching out to the developers, with the team hoping more players and creators will join the community. This statement was shared by Sadot The Gamer, who says he was unbanned from the program after the apology.

Currently, Marvel Rivals has no release date beyond the Closed Alpha. Marvel Rivals' roster features 19 playable characters, including iconic Marvel heroes like Spider-Man and Iron Man.