Marvel Rivals issues apology after banning criticism for Alpha access creators
NetEase GamesMarvel Rivals launched its first Closed Alpha, and players have been jumping into NetEase’s hero shooter for the first time. Among them, many streamers have requested access, but conditions placed in the contract are causing huge concerns for some.
On Twitter/X, streamer Brandon Larned shared several clauses in the Marvel Rivals contract given to streamers. These clauses heavily restrict the ability of players to negatively critique the game or disparage it in any way.
The language in the Non-Disparagement clause then goes significantly further than that. It expressly prohibits players from making satirical comments about the game or game-related material, regardless of the intent of the satire.
It also prevents signatories from comparing Marvel Rivals to other games if the comparisons could be deemed “malicious.” This contract is significantly restrictive, and many are concerned that it will prevent streamers and influencers from sharing their true thoughts on the game.
Though clauses like this are fairly standard in sponsorship agreements, streamers are being asked to sign these contracts simply to gain access to the game. They are not being paid to promote Marvel Rivals, and the scope of the Non-Disparagement clause is wide.
NetEase GamesAccording to a post shared on Twitter/X, NetEase has reportedly responded to the controversy, saying that they are aware of “inappropriate and misleading terms in the commitment regarding sharing non-disparagement content.”
In addition, they confirmed they are “now working on revise [sic] the miscommunication terms from our commitment. The progress will be shared with every creator in a timely manner.”
In a follow-up post after sharing details of the communication, Sadot the Gamer reported that they had now been banned from the Marvel Rivals creator program.
Marvel Rivals has no release date with the Closed Alpha the first step in a lengthy development process. The game features nineteen playable characters, including Iron Man and Spider-Man, as well as two currently announced maps, Tokyo 2099 and Asgard.