Summary
- Marvel Rivals' Season 1 update has reportedly disabled custom mods.
- NetEase, the developer, has consistently stated that mod use violates the game's terms of service.
- This ban likely protects Marvel Rivals' revenue model, which relies on in-game purchases.
Marvel Rivals' Season 1 update, released January 10, 2025, has unexpectedly removed the functionality of custom-made mods. This impacts many players who enjoyed creating and using bespoke character skins since the game's launch in early December.
Season 1 introduced significant content, including playable Fantastic Four characters (Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman initially, with the Thing and Human Torch to follow), a new Battle Pass, maps, and a Doom Match game mode. However, the unannounced elimination of mod support has left players with only default character appearances. NetEase Games had previously warned against mod usage, threatening bans for violating the terms of service, even for cosmetic mods. The Season 1 update appears to have implemented hash checking, a method verifying data authenticity, effectively preventing mod use.
Marvel Rivals Eliminates Mod Use
This widespread mod crackdown wasn't entirely unforeseen. NetEase's clear stance in its terms of service, coupled with previous actions like banning a controversial Donald Trump mod (replacing Captain America's head), foreshadowed this move. Nevertheless, the impact is significant, with players expressing disappointment over the loss of customizable content. Some creators have even shared unreleased mods on platforms like Twitter, highlighting the lost creative potential.
While some mods contained provocative content, including nude character skins, prompting player complaints, the decision likely stems from broader business considerations. As a free-to-play game, Marvel Rivals' revenue relies heavily on in-game purchases of character bundles containing skins and other cosmetics. Allowing free, custom cosmetic mods could severely undermine the game's profitability.
