Marvel Rivals: Why Tackling Smurfing is Essential for Its Longevity

Marvel Rivals Ultron
Credit: NetEase Games

Marvel Rivals Ultron
Credit: NetEase Games

While Marvel Rivals is among one of the most popular hero shooters, it still isn't safe from potentially losing its player base. NetEase Games has done a terrific job in preventing that, releasing regular updates and content that everyone can be satisfied with.

However, if the developer truly wants to guarantee that its successful creation has a long lifespan, it needs to ensure the Marvel Rivals player experience is always enjoyable. A good way to do so is by constantly gathering information on the matchmaking aspect and fixing the issues that could ruin it.

Among those problems, one has been plaguing Marvel Rivals' competitive scene and its casual side, with many deeming it something that should be resolved properly and swiftly. It's called the act of smurfing, where high-skilled players purposely use low-level accounts to trample all over newcomers for their own gain.

How Is Marvel Rivals Dealing With Smurfing?

Given that it is a growing problem in many hero shooters, NetEase Games decided to give everyone playing their creation the ability to report those they've caught participating in the act, and punish those who have been verified as perpetrators. It is a move that the player base is satisfied with, given how it can help improve their match experiences.

Marvel Rivals Finding Match
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Credit: NetEase Games

While the system isn't perfect and won't necessarily remove smurfing altogether, it at least allows everyone to prevent the problem from becoming prevalent. Marvel Rivals will need to continue its efforts in handling the issue, as it can cause serious problems to the game's popularity and longevity if left alone.

A compelling one is that if smurfing is allowed to run rampant, it could result in fewer new Marvel Rivals players. The concept of being able to play as iconic movie and comic book superhero characters certainly helps make the game attractive, and makes it a good reason for people to give it a shot.

However, if such people have no knowledge of hero shooters and are paired against smurfs instead of others at their level, it could discourage them from playing further. Without more newcomers, the game will certainly die out, as its entire concept centers around having a large player base that continuously grows, which won't be possible if countless people are smurfing.

It's also important to take note that if the problem repels people from playing, putting in all the effort to solve it can result in the exact opposite. Being able to report Marvel Rivals players for smurfing and violators actually being punished is a great way for the game to show that it cares about its community.

Marvel Rivals Smurf Reporting
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Credit: NetEase Games

Finding ways to satisfy both current and new players is what helps any multiplayer title, especially hero shooters, to grow its audience and stay active and relevant for a long time. If that takes cracking down on smurfing, then NetEase Games will have to continue in its efforts.

Again, there's no way to stop the problem as a whole, but putting in the best effort to do so can be enough. So long as Marvel Rivals continues in its battle against smurfing, then the game should have a long and successful lifespan that many can enjoy.

And that's it. For more, stick with us at Gfinityesports.com: the best site for Marvel Rivals coverage