NetEase Games Faces $900 Million Lawsuit – Will This Impact Marvel Rivals?
NetEase Games, developers of Marvel Rivals, face a $900 million lawsuit from Prytania Media over alleged defamation and business interference. Could this impact the game’s future?
The developers of Marvel Rivals, NetEase Games, are facing a $900 million lawsuit from Prytania Media, alleging defamation, unfair trade practices, and business interference. The lawsuit, filed in Louisiana in January 2025, claims that NetEase's actions led to the collapse of Prytania Media and its subsidiary studios, including Crop Circle Games.
🔥 Why Is NetEase Games Being Sued?
According to the lawsuit, NetEase Games held a 25% stake in Crop Circle Games, one of Prytania Media’s subsidiaries. However, it is alleged that NetEase spread false and defamatory statements about Jeff and Annie Strain (Prytania Media’s founders), leading to the withdrawal of key investors and the financial downfall of the company.
📌 The lawsuit states:
"This case is about the destruction of the careers of two gaming industry veterans and their company (Prytania Media) by a Chinese entity (NetEase Games) seeking to avoid compliance with United States law."
Prytania Media’s founders argue that NetEase’s actions directly led to the shutdown of their company, and they are seeking $900 million in damages.
🛡️ NetEase Games Responds
In an official statement, NetEase Games denied all allegations, calling them baseless. The company emphasized that it will defend its reputation and expects the legal process to uncover the real reasons behind Prytania Media’s collapse.
🎙️ NetEase Games’ Statement:
"The allegations by Prytania Media and its founders Annie and Jeff Strain are wholly without merit, and we emphatically deny and will vigorously defend ourselves against them. Our record as a global gaming company speaks for itself, and we remain committed to conducting business with integrity."
NetEase has faced other recent challenges, including laying off its Seattle-based development team. However, the company has achieved massive success with Marvel Rivals, generating over $135 million in its first month of release.
🎮 Will This Lawsuit Affect Marvel Rivals?
Despite the legal battle, Marvel Rivals’ game director, Guangyun Chen, confirmed that the game’s development remains unaffected.
💬 Guangyun Chen’s Statements:
- Season 2 of Marvel Rivals is ready and scheduled.
- Seasons 3 and 4 are already designed and in the pipeline.
- NetEase plans to support the game for at least 10 years.
Players can expect consistent content updates and new features, while NetEase fights this lengthy legal battle.
