Key Takeaways
- NetEase Games, developers of Marvel Rivals, are not planning a PVE mode despite player demand.
- Marvel Rivals has become a hit multiplayer game with millions of players enjoying PVP battles.
- The development team is considering a “lighter mode” that could offer a PVE-like experience.
NetEase Games, creators of the popular hero shooter Marvel Rivals, have not confirmed plans for a player-versus-environment (PVE) mode. Since its launch in late 2024, the game has exclusively featured competitive player-versus-player (PVP) play. Despite being less than three months old, Marvel Rivals has already captured the attention of millions of players worldwide.
Players frequently engage in dynamic PVP battles, showcasing their favorite heroes from an extensive Marvel Rivals roster. Even those unfamiliar with the game appreciate the unique team-ups between heroes and villains, often speculating about future character additions.
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Marvel Rivals Developer Has No Solid Plans for PVE Yet
When interviewed by IGN, Marvel Rivals Producer Weicong Wu addressed the persistent demand for a PVE mode. While empathizing with player wishes, Wu clarified that a fully-fledged PVE experience would be fundamentally different from Marvel Rivals in its current form.
This sentiment is not unique to Marvel Rivals. The genre of hero shooters, including Marvel Rivals, typically does not feature dedicated single-player or cooperative campaign modes. Even Blizzard, a leading name in the hero shooter genre, ultimately canceled plans for a PVE campaign in Overwatch 2.
The development of a distinct and engaging PVE mode requires a unique design approach. Given the core competitive nature of Marvel Rivals, creating such a mode could be challenging. Nevertheless, the development team remains open to experimenting with new gameplay mechanics.
Potential for a “Lighter Mode” with PVE Elements
Producer Wu mentioned that the development team is continuously exploring new ways to enhance the player experience. A key element of this exploration includes the consideration of a “lighter mode” that might incorporate aspects of PVE.
While Wu did not provide specific details about this lighter mode, its potential suggests the development team is aware of player desires for more varied gameplay options. This lighter mode could offer a more narrative-focused experience or cooperative gameplay, providing some elements of PVE without entirely diverting from the core PVP gameplay.
For fans of co-op or narrative content, the talk of experimentation offers hope for the future. Despite the absence of a concrete PVE mode, the ongoing efforts to add diverse gameplay elements indicate the development team is listening to its player base.
