Marvel Rivals, a multiplayer game made by the Chinese developer NetEase, debuted with an impressive player base of over 20 million gamers eager to jump into the action as their favourite Marvel heroes and villains in a fast-paced, hero shooter. As NetEase's new hero shooter gained momentum, early reactions from players were overwhelmingly positive. Many praised its smooth gameplay, diverse roster, and ambitious hero release schedule. Yet, alongside its success, the game has courted its share of controversy, particularly surrounding the censorship of certain words and phrases in the in-game chat system. Let’s break down this issue and what it means for the game’s future.
Players and high-profile streamers, such as AsmonGold, quickly flagged an unusual feature in Marvel Rivals—seemingly innocuous words and phrases being flagged as inappropriate or banned within the game's chat function. A closer look reveals that the flagged terms are largely tied to politically charged topics associated with the Chinese government, sparking debate about how such censorship impacts the game’s chat function and overall player experience. These censored terms include, but aren’t limited to:
For many players, this censorship seemed baffling. Why would these words be banned in a game about superheroes and villains? To understand, we need to explore the role of NetEase and the influence of the Chinese government.
NetEase, the Chinese company responsible for Marvel Rivals, must navigate the intricate demands of complying with Chinese Communist Party (CCP) censorship policies while catering to a global player base. In China, the state wields considerable control over domestic companies, particularly when it comes to media, technology, and entertainment. This means that terms deemed sensitive or subversive by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are often censored to comply with government standards.
The banned terms in Marvel Rivals align with topics the CCP routinely suppresses, such as:
While NetEase likely implemented this censorship to comply with CCP requirements, it’s a decision that has sparked debate among international players.
Among the censored terms, Winnie the Pooh is particularly notable for its surprising cultural significance and how it has come to symbolise dissent against the Chinese Communist Party. How did a cuddly cartoon bear land on the CCP’s radar?
The answer lies in internet memes. Several years ago, social media users began comparing Chinese President Xi Jinping to Winnie the Pooh, poking fun at their supposed resemblance. What started as a harmless joke soon gained traction as a symbol of anti-CCP sentiment, particularly in Asia. In response, the CCP banned all mentions and depictions of Winnie the Pooh, viewing it as a form of political dissent. This censorship extends even to games like Marvel Rivals.
For players unfamiliar with Chinese censorship practices, the restrictions in Marvel Rivals may seem frustrating or overly intrusive. However, they are not unique. Many Chinese-developed games, and even some Western titles seeking to enter the Chinese market, adhere to similar standards. Blizzard, for example, has faced criticism for censoring content to comply with Chinese laws.
For NetEase, ignoring these regulations is not an option. Failing to comply could lead to severe consequences, including legal action, loss of licences, or even the shutdown of operations. From their perspective, enforcing these restrictions is a matter of survival.
For the game itself, the impact of this censorship is likely minimal. Marvel Rivals continues to deliver new heroes, balance patches, and seasonal content. While the controversy may frustrate proponents of free speech, it’s unlikely to affect the game’s overall trajectory. The player base is growing, and the game’s ambitious roadmap suggests a promising future.
The censorship policies in Marvel Rivals highlight the tensions between global gaming culture and the regulatory demands of the Chinese government, prompting discussions on how such bans reshape gameplay and community dynamics. While the censored terms do not affect gameplay, they highlight the growing tension between international audiences and the policies of Chinese companies.
Proponents of free speech can voice their concerns through social media campaigns, reviews, or discussions on gaming platforms. However, due to the international nature of these issues, it’s unlikely that the stance on censorship in Marvel Rivals will change any time soon.
The censorship policies in Marvel Rivals underscore the intricate intersection of gaming, geopolitics, and the influence of the Chinese Communist Party. While these restrictions may seem strange or unnecessary to some players, they are an unavoidable reality for a game developed by a Chinese company. Despite the controversy, Marvel Rivals remains a hit, delivering exciting content and fulfilling its potential as a premier hero shooter.
For now, players must navigate these challenges as they enjoy the thrill of battling as their favourite Marvel icons. Whether or not the game’s censorship policies evolve, one thing is clear: Marvel Rivals’ success is far from over.
