In the vibrant universe of Marvel Rivals, heroes are certainly at the heart of the gaming experience. With a varied roster of 37 characters, each originating from different corners of the Marvel Comics, players are immersed in an engaging adventure. The extensive lineup sparks curiosity among fans regarding the criteria and process developers use to select these iconic figures.
Unveiling the Hero Creation Process in Marvel Rivals
During a recent conversation with PC Gamer, Danny Koo, the Executive Producer of Marvel Rivals, provided valuable insights into how NetEase Games curates new heroes for the game. As of the latest Season 1.5, the game has introduced 37 distinguished heroes, with more on the horizon.
“Roughly 70% is made up of your greatest hits, like well-known heroes: Iron Man, Cap, etc. And then we throw in some curve balls; you might not even know who they are, to make the roster more interesting.”
Koo explained that while seasoned heroes are vital, the addition of lesser-known figures, such as Jeff the Land Shark and Squirrel Girl, is essential for enhancing the experience. This balanced approach not only meets the expectations of loyal fans but also introduces unexpected elements to keep the gameplay fresh and exciting.
The Selection and Development Framework
Once a character is nominated for inclusion, they undergo a rigorous testing and development process. Contrary to some perceptions, more popular characters are not necessarily guaranteed an easier journey. The protocol encompasses several critical stages:
“What we do is, whenever we have a character, we’ll come up with a character background, who they are, and the comic references that appear in what they do, and we’ll hand it over to the design team.”
In the initial phase, a comprehensive background is crafted, detailing the hero’s identity and referencing their comic book inspirations. This foundational information guides the design team in generating creative concepts that align with the character’s essence. The collaboration between the development and design teams is crucial to ensure that everyone shares a unified vision of the hero’s core identity before advancing to production.
Building Unique and Diverse Heroes
Following the establishment of a character’s core identity, the next stage involves inviting a comic historian to formulate a compelling origin story for the character. It’s imperative that every hero boasts unique traits that distinguish them from their counterparts.
“But we focus on making sure the characters are distinct from each other. Their abilities have to be as distinct as well because we have all kinds of players. Some players love to be Strategists. Some players like to dive into the action. Some players just like to watch other people play. So we have to tailor to every kind of player.”
This meticulous process ensures that each hero’s abilities resonate with a diverse player base, whether they are strategists, action enthusiasts, or observers. By executing this thoughtful approach, the development team not only appeals to a wide audience but also preserves the authentic spirit of the characters they represent.
In summary, the meticulous crafting of heroes in Marvel Rivals exemplifies a dedication to both player engagement and comic authenticity. As the game continues to expand its roster, fans can eagerly anticipate the unique and dynamic characters yet to come.