(Image credit: NetEase)
Ever wondered about the design philosophy behind balancing Marvel Rivals heroes? How intricate can it get, and what hurdles do the developers face? These were the burning questions during an interview at the Game Developers Conference with some key minds behind Marvel Rivals. Interestingly, the answer is both straightforward and intricately layered.
Danny Koo, executive producer at Marvel Games, reveals, “The philosophy on balancing is actually quite simple: fun.” Highlighting the action-packed nature of Marvel superheroes, Koo explains that ensuring each character is enjoyable from the get-go is crucial. “Before even considering balancing, understanding that a player’s experience with a character must be fun takes precedence. Post-balancing, playtesting internally guarantees that enjoyment remains intact—a pillar that, according to Koo, is unwavering.
Prompted to elaborate on what constitutes ‘fun’, Koo explains: “It’s about whether a character can KO another effectively and not feel unjustly overpowered.” Factors like traversal time and moment-to-moment actions in and out of team fights are significant calculations, says Koo.
Curious about the game’s overall complexities, I inquired about the most daunting aspect of development. Weikang Ruan, lead technical designer for Marvel Rivals, shares, “The technical facet is truly challenging”. With a plethora of Marvel superheroes, each boasting unique abilities and visual effects, ensuring performance consistency is a complex task. “Creating a hero and developing a new map often feels like conducting science research,” Ruan jokes.
He cites optimizing Doctor Strange‘s portals and building an entire rendering pipeline in Unreal Engine 5 as a prime example. Having participated in a panel entirely devoted to this pipeline, I grasp the magnitude of this challenge, if not fully the execution. Ruan adds that environmental destruction, with comprehensive level breakdowns, presents substantial technical and performance difficulties.
As someone frequently challenged by Doctor Strange players, it’s clear that they’ve mastered the calculations, though sometimes I selfishly wish they’d faltered. So many untimely defeats.
For Marvel Rivals enthusiasts eager for updates, the game delivers. Weekly digests and community stories continue to thrill, and fans are delighted as Venom makes a nostalgic return with a new emote.