At the recent Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2025, Marvel Games executive producer Danny Koo emphasized a key principle guiding the development of Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play competitive shooter. The focus, according to Koo, is on making the game enjoyable first and foremost rather than achieving rigorous competitive balance. This philosophy aims to attract a broad audience while catering to both casual gamers and competitive players.
“So every character we balance for fun, first and foremost, as in if the character is fun or not [to play], that’s always number one,” Koo stated. This approach reflects the developers’ intention to create a vibrant gaming experience that places enjoyment at the forefront of gameplay. Following this, the team uses data to adjust win rates, ensuring no character becomes overly dominant and oppressive.
The chaotic nature of team dynamics in Marvel Rivals adds to its charm. Players can unlock unique characters with diverse abilities, such as Human Torch and Storm, whose combination results in visually stunning scenarios like a flaming whirlwind dubbed a firestorm. Koo highlighted this creativity by stating, “[Players] want to feel like they’re playing as unique a character as possible. And the team has pulled it off with every single character.” This variation adds an element of discovery as gamers explore the extensive roster and craft strategies.
Interestingly, Koo noted that while competitive gameplay is important, most players lean toward casual matches. “The majority of the players will not play competitive anyway, that’s for sure,” he explained. The preference for quick matches over ranked play has shaped design choices, yet Koo recognizes the value of providing avenues for players to showcase their skills.
To cater to this diverse player base, matchmaking mechanics are employed that pair casual players with skillful competitors, finally allowing a balanced environment for all. Koo shared, “We always look at it and balance it, if necessary, each season to see how fast players progress. And in terms of matchmaking, we always pair you with people with the same level and the same rate as you to make it a comfortable experience.” This strategy ensures that players can engage in a satisfying experience, whether they are seasoned veterans or newcomers.
Despite the desire for balance, Koo made it clear that there are no plans to introduce a role queue system to Marvel Rivals. He asserted with certainty, “No role queue—that’s what makes this game so unique.” Instead, the chaotic nature of team compositions is seen as a core appeal, making every match a vibrant tapestry of unpredictable team dynamics.
Marvel Rivals is currently available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, and has quickly established itself as a favorite among hero shooter enthusiasts. The emphasis on fun over strict competitive balance is what sets the game apart in an industry leaning towards hyper-competitive mechanics.
As the landscape of online gaming continues to evolve, Marvel Rivals appears steadfast in its commitment to a fun-centric experience. The ongoing focus on character uniqueness and engagement illustrates the developers' desire to keep things fresh and intriguing for players. The approach taken by Koo and his team represents a refreshing shift in a genre often mired in the pursuit of balancing competitive fairness over enjoyment.
