The creators of Marvel Rivals have made it clear: their game thrives on chaos and creative freedom, rejecting rigid systems like Overwatch and DOTA 2’s role-based matchmaking.
With less than a month since its release, Marvel Rivals has already gained a massive fanbase. Its first festive update introduces a Christmas-themed mode inspired by Splatoon. However, as fans look further into the game’s future, questions about its long-term plans have surfaced. Some have even asked NetEase whether they intend to implement role-based matchmaking, a feature popularized by games like Overwatch and DOTA 2. The developers’ response? A firm rejection, as it goes against the very philosophy of Marvel Rivals.
Why Role-Based Matchmaking Isn’t in the Cards for Marvel Rivals?
In games like Overwatch, role-based matchmaking requires players to select specific roles (like Vanguard, Tactician, or Duelist) before entering a match. While this ensures balanced teams, it also leads to longer wait times, particularly for players choosing popular roles like DPS. Introduced in Overwatch in 2019 and later adopted by DOTA 2, this system is designed to promote structured gameplay.
However, Marvel Rivals creative director Guangyun Chen explained in an interview with Dot Esports that the team has no intention of introducing such a system. According to Chen, the goal is to allow players to freely enjoy their favorite superheroes without being restricted by rigid role allocations.
This decision has sparked debate within the game’s community. Some players appreciate the freedom to experiment with chaotic and creative team compositions, which aligns with the game’s laid-back nature. On the other hand, competitive players argue that the lack of a structured system could detract from the strategic depth and balance of matches.
Despite the criticism, Chen highlighted the value of this diversity: “In competitive matches, we’ve seen some fascinating and varied team compositions that make the game richer and more fun,” he said. While acknowledging potential challenges, he emphasized that strategic creativity is one of Marvel Rivals’ strengths.
A Chaotic Future or Structured Evolution?
Interestingly, Overwatch faced similar skepticism when role-based matchmaking was first introduced. Over time, however, its growing competitive scene and massive player base made such systems a necessity. Whether Marvel Rivals will eventually adopt a similar approach or stick to its chaotic roots remains to be seen.
Source: 3djuegos
