Marvel RIvals’ “non-disparagement” clause backlash

The upcoming mobile hero shooter tied to the vast Marvel library of comic classics — Marvel Rivals — caused a ruckus online as part of its content creator contract to access early keys included a stipulation that appeared to gag negative reviews. Developer NetEase Games has since responded to the situation.

Sparked by streamer Brandon Larned on Twitter, they noted one of its polices before being granted a key for early access of the game effectively “signs away your right to negatively review the game.” Looking at the screenshot shared by the streamer, it certainly looks that way. Early access code recievers are unable to make “disparaging or satirical comments” about the game’s features, characters, or music while also being unable to compare the game to its peers, such as Overwatch 2 or other hero shooters.

Most damning, though, is part of that latter stipulation states early access reviewers cannot provide “subjective negative reviews.”

Extremely disappointed in @MarvelRivals.

Multiple creators asked for key codes to gain access to the playtest and are asked to sign a contract.

The contract signs away your right to negatively review the game.

Many streamers have signed without reading just to play

Insanity. pic.twitter.com/c11BUDyka9

— Brandon Larned (@A_Seagull) May 12, 2024

After a short bout of press around, though, NetEase took to Twitter to address the situation, apologizing for any “unpleasant experiences or doubts,” placing the blame on miscommunication of the terms. It went on to say how the Content Creator Program is a small-scale project and that it wants people to give their honest opinions of the game. It’s also revising the contract to be less restrictive.

Dear Marvel Rivals players,

Today is the third day of the Closed Alpha Test, and we are truly grateful for all the love and support from the community.

We would like to take this opportunity to address the concerns we’ve seen regarding the agreement terms of Content Creator…

— Marvel Rivals (@MarvelRivals) May 13, 2024

While it’s a good thing that Marvel Rivals is changing its terms, it still feels icky that it even made it through in the first place, as anyone giving it a passing glance can read the policy as dissuading negative reviews and effectively holding the bad press hostage until people who aren’t beholden to these rules get the game themselves.