Marvel Rivals Issues Apology for Unfair Bans; Players Advocate for Rank-Inclusive Character Bans
NetEase, the developer of Marvel Rivals, recently issued a public apology for mistakenly banning numerous innocent players. The incident involved a mass ban targeting suspected cheaters, but the anti-cheat system incorrectly flagged many non-Windows users employing compatibility layers like those used on macOS, Linux, and the Steam Deck.
The erroneous bans, implemented on January 3rd, affected players utilizing compatibility software to run the game on non-Windows platforms. NetEase acknowledged the error, stating that they had identified the cause and subsequently lifted the bans for all affected players. They also emphasized the importance of reporting actual cheating behavior and encouraged players to appeal wrongful bans through in-game support or Discord. The reliance on compatibility layers, particularly Proton for SteamOS, has been highlighted as a recurring issue in triggering anti-cheat systems.
Separately, a significant portion of the Marvel Rivals community is calling for the implementation of character bans across all ranks. Currently, this feature, allowing players to remove specific characters from selection, is only available in Diamond rank and above. Players argue that extending this mechanic to lower ranks would improve gameplay balance, foster strategic diversity, and provide valuable learning opportunities for newer players. The current system, they contend, creates an uneven playing field, particularly for players in Platinum rank who face opponents with significant advantages. One Reddit user expressed frustration, stating, "Cant ban it, can't beat it." The sentiment is echoed by many who believe that character bans are crucial for making the game more enjoyable and balanced for all skill levels.
While NetEase has yet to publicly respond to these concerns, the ongoing discussion underscores the need for further adjustments to enhance the overall player experience in Marvel Rivals.
