Marvel Contest of Champions Season 1 Update Tames Cheats

Marvel Rivals Season 1 Update Cracks Down on Mods

Marvel Rivals' Season 1 update has reportedly disabled the use of custom-made mods, a popular feature among players since the game's launch. While not explicitly announced, players discovered their mods no longer function, reverting characters to their default appearances.

This move, though impacting the modding community, aligns with NetEase's terms of service, which prohibit mod usage. The company has previously issued bans for individual mods, including one featuring a controversial replacement character skin. The Season 1 update likely employs hash checking—a data verification method—to effectively prevent mod functionality.

Season 1 itself introduced significant content, including playable Fantastic Four characters (Mr. Fantastic and Invisible Woman initially, with the Thing and Human Torch to follow), a new Battle Pass, maps, and a Doom Match mode.

The decision to eliminate mod support isn't surprising, given Marvel Rivals' free-to-play model and reliance on in-game purchases for revenue. The availability of free cosmetic mods could severely impact the game's profitability, which is generated through the sale of character bundles containing skins and other cosmetic items. While some players express disappointment over the loss of customizable content, and creators mourn unreleased mods, NetEase's action is a calculated business strategy to protect its revenue stream. The presence of previously controversial, nude-themed mods further complicates the issue, though financial considerations likely outweigh concerns about specific mod content.