Marvel Rivals Director Says Fun Comes Before Monetization

The director of Marvel Rivals recently shared insights about the team’s approach to monetization, stating that the game’s long-term success depends on player enjoyment above all else. Rather than relying on aggressive monetization models, the developers focus on crafting an experience that players find engaging, immersive, and worth investing in. According to the director, monetization should never come at the cost of player trust or satisfaction, and any in-game purchases must feel like a natural extension of the fun players already have.

The team’s philosophy centers on two simple ideas: make the gameplay exciting and encourage spending only when players truly value the experience. The goal is to let enjoyment drive investment, not the other way around. By creating gameplay that feels rewarding, balanced, and rich in content, Marvel Rivals aims to inspire players to support the game voluntarily through cosmetic purchases. This philosophy marks a shift from the more aggressive monetization tactics often seen in free-to-play titles.

The developers also shared how much care goes into designing every skin and cosmetic item. Each hero outfit and accessory is created to strengthen the player’s emotional connection with the characters. The team believes that cosmetics should enhance the sense of identity and pride players feel in battle rather than act as pay-to-win features. When players form deeper bonds with their favorite heroes, they naturally become more willing to invest in them.

For gamers in Southeast Asia, this approach feels particularly relevant. The region’s free-to-play market is highly competitive, with players often wary of games that lock core content behind paywalls. By prioritizing fun, fairness, and immersion, Marvel Rivals offers a refreshing alternative. The team’s philosophy of “player first, monetisation second” could serve as a new standard for how live-service titles treat their communities, fostering trust and long-term engagement instead of quick profit.

THIS IS our take

It’s refreshing to see a major studio admit that no monetization strategy can succeed without genuine player love for the game. If more developers in Southeast Asia embrace this mindset, the free-to-play world might finally become a place where fun truly comes first and spending follows naturally.

 origin: FRVR