TIME magazine has given Marvel Rivals the ultimate praise by putting it on their list of the best video games of 2025. This is not just an exaggerated claim by a tiny blog; it is TIME that has said so. The company that developed the game, NetEase, expressed their gratitude to the magazine and most of all to the users who have been giving their input since the beginning. They claim that the communication with the players has been the main contributing factor to the game’s development and they plan to take the same energy right into 2026. What a fantastic way to end the year, don’t you think?
The response from the community was, as expected, a mixed one containing enthusiasm, thankfulness, and… the usual requests. But then, it is the internet after all. Many among the players were quick to assert that the game had finally received the accolade it rightly deserved. One of the users, hentai with a tie, presented the case succinctly: ‘Game’s totally free, there’s no p2w cash shop items, devs give us weekly updates, devs let us earn store currency for free, etc.’ The statement is quite persuasive in the context of today’s live service market where ‘free’ often means ‘free-to-start-pay-to-win’. Others simply replied with short remarks like ‘W game’ or ‘GOATTTTT,’ which, you know, gets the point across.
However, it was a post celebrating the event that also allowed the wishlist to be unveiled. Gamers immediately started to list their wants for the future. The user Cyclops 🍉 sent a long list of ideas that resembled a developer’s brainstorming notes: a Battle Royale mode for 50 players, a tactical shooter mode like Valorant, a story mode, more PvE stuff like zombies or raids, and of course, the introduction of Cyclops along with more villains. Another gamer, luca, congratulated the team but quickly changed the topic: ‘Cool, now start handing out season bans for deliberate throwers in comp, and put resource rumble in arcade!!!!!’ The fervor is still there, and it is loud.
Requests for characters never cease. One user posted an image of the X-Men’s Pixie and called for her inclusion. Another user, Shorie, was overjoyed at the news but said, ‘that’s great but we need her so badly’ and added a picture of… most likely a fan-favorite hero. The fans of Deadpool, on the other hand, have not lost hope and are not going to disappear. User RhoyStrife was humorously saying, ‘Post 221 talking about Deadpool: I don’t read nothing anymore. I just scan for Deadpool.’ Some discussions even went to the specifics of certain hero reworks, with one user asking for a Scarlet Witch revamp along with the addition of her son, Wiccan.
Nevertheless, there were players who were not strictly celebrating. There is always that other side. Rich, one gamer, simply replied with ‘Yet worst matchmaking.’ Ouch! One more stream of chats was sparked by an individual stating the game had massive active users at its launch. The next user, JayJayBombadil, replied, ‘And it’s a fraction of that now because the matchmaking experience is not enjoyable.’ This is a typical live-service tension—excellent content and prestige, but basic systems like matchmaking can make or break the core audience’s daily experience. It is a reminder that even though good awards are nice, the great players’ experience is what retains them.
It is a tremendous advantage for Marvel Rivals. The game is still fairly new, and this kind of grand recognition by a major publication like TIME at the end of the year is a huge encouragement for the developers. It’s not just a hit among the comic book fans; it is being regarded as one of the best titles in a crowded year. The game makers seem to be very enthusiastic about it, and they are vowing to continue with this momentum. Why not? This is the sort of marketing that can make people who have never even heard of a ‘strategist’ or ‘duelist’ role, download the game.
What’s next after Marvel Rivals? The tweet mentions the developers will carry on with the momentum into 2026, while the players’ responses act as a huge, unorganized suggestion box. What the community is asking for are more game modes, more super heroes, better competitive integrity, and, above all, a few really want Deadpool. The mere fact that players demand all this and the devs thank them for their constant feedback shows that there is a good relationship. That is a good sign. A ‘Best of’ list is merely a snapshot of a moment, but the real test is what follows. Will NetEase be able to keep up with the weekly updates, maintain the player base, and continue to innovate? The future of this PlayStation and Xbox title looks promising, but only time will tell.
