NetEase’s upcoming team-based hero shooter, Marvel Rivals, has been generating buzz ever since its reveal. With its fast-paced gameplay, destructible environments, and roster packed with beloved Marvel icons, the game already looked like one of the most ambitious Marvel titles in years. Now, the developers have confirmed something that could take it to another level Marvel has officially given NetEase approval to create and introduce original characters into the game.

The news came through a recent developer discussion, where the team teased future plans for the project. While no specific heroes were shown, the developers left fans with a pointed message: “Stay tuned.”

What This Means for the Game

Traditionally, Marvel has been cautious about letting external studios tinker with its universe. Most Marvel games focus strictly on existing heroes like Spider-Man, Iron Man, or the X-Men. By giving NetEase the green light to add wholly original characters, Marvel is making a statement it trusts the developer’s creative vision.

This opens the door to exciting possibilities. Rather than being bound to Marvel’s already enormous library of heroes and villains, the studio can design characters with unique gameplay mechanics that perfectly fit the needs of Marvel Rivals. It means more freedom for balance, experimentation, and storytelling.

For instance, NetEase could create a new hero built specifically around the game’s destructible environments or introduce a healer archetype that doesn’t exist among Marvel’s classic characters. These sorts of design opportunities can strengthen the game’s long-term identity.

A Bold Step for Both NetEase and Marvel

Marvel’s decision to allow original creations isn’t just about game mechanics. It’s about storytelling as well. The Marvel Universe has always thrived on introducing new heroes who eventually stand beside legends. From Kamala Khan’s Ms. Marvel to Miles Morales’ Spider-Man, Marvel’s history proves that fresh characters can quickly become fan favorites.

NetEase now has the chance to follow in that tradition. If their original characters resonate with players, it could even lead to a scenario where Marvel adopts them into comics, animation, or other media a possibility that fans are already speculating about online.

For now, NetEase is keeping its cards close to the chest. No names, powers, or designs have been shared yet. But with the developers hinting strongly at future reveals, it seems like only a matter of time before we get a look at the first original additions to the roster.

What’s clear is that Marvel’s trust in NetEase signals confidence in Marvel Rivals as a long-term platform rather than just a one-off experiment. If handled well, these new characters could become as important to the game’s identity as the likes of Captain America or Black Widow.

For fans, the message is simple: the Marvel Universe just got a little bigger, and Marvel Rivals is where the next chapter begins.