Marvel Rivals, The Overwatch game but everyone is Marvel character, has recently come under scrutiny for its playtest terms of service contract. As players eagerly await the opportunity to dive into the Marvel universe and battle it out with iconic characters, concerns have been raised regarding the restrictions outlined in the terms of service.
No Negative Review Please
Former professional eSports player and Twitch streamer Brandon “A_Seagull” Larned shed light on the contentious issue by revealing that the contract essentially strips players of their right to negatively review the game. Section 2.1 of the agreement, titled “Non-Disparagement”, explicitly prohibits content creators from making any public statements or engaging in discussions that could tarnish the reputation of Marvel Rivals.
The restrictions extend to various forms of expression, including making disparaging comments about game features, characters, or music, engaging in malicious comparisons with competitors, or providing subjective negative reviews of the game. This clause has sparked outrage among players and content creators alike, who argue that it stifles freedom of speech and transparency within the gaming community.
Player Concerns and Community Response
Many players have expressed dismay over the restrictive nature of the terms of service, with some admitting to signing the contract without fully comprehending its implications. The lack of transparency surrounding the agreement has raised questions about the fairness of the playtesting process and the extent to which player feedback will be valued and considered by the developers.
In response to the growing backlash, a few players have taken to social media platforms such as Twitter and Discord to voice their concerns and urge the developers to revise the contract.
Marvel Rivals Later Apologized
Just a few days after the havoc, NetEase issued an apology regarding what it termed as “inappropriate and misleading terms” within its content creator contract.
The Marvel Rivals Content Creator Team conveyed their regret via a statement on Discord following the contract’s circulation in the media. They expressed sincere apologies for any miscommunication and unpleasant experiences resulting from the contract.
The statement acknowledged the presence of inappropriate and misleading clauses, particularly concerning non-disparagement content sharing commitments. The team emphasized their commitment to openness, welcoming suggestions and criticism to enhance the Marvel Rivals gaming experience for players. They assured creators that they were actively revising the problematic terms and pledged to keep creators updated on the progress. Additionally, they extended an invitation to all creators to contribute to the community by sharing their opinions and suggestions through a forthcoming suggestions form on Discord.
As for the status of previously signed contracts, it remains uncertain whether they are rendered null and void. NetEase clarified that all terms would only come into effect following discussions and mutual agreement between both parties.
In a statement to the press, NetEase clarified that the contract served as a draft version aimed at fostering long-term collaboration with creators interested in Marvel Rivals. The company expressed its desire for deeper cooperation to facilitate more meaningful and consistent feedback, suggestions, and criticisms from creators.