Summary
- Marvel Rivals developer NetEase has officially banned popular third-party plug-in Blitz from future matches.
- In an announcement shared online, NetEase called the information showcased by Blitz “confidential,” deeming it “cheating software.”
- Those who have used Blitz in the past won’t face punishment, though future or continued use will result in punishment.
It hasn’t been a banner week for Marvel Rivals developer NetEase Games. On Tuesday, it was revealed that several developers based in the United States were being laid off, with the company citing a need to “optimize development efficiency.” Then, it was later reported that the game was nearly canceled because NetEase didn’t want to pay for the Marvel licensing.
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If that wasn’t enough, shortly that same day, it was reported that NetEase is shopping around its non-Chinese studios, which include the likes of Quantic Dream, as well as Suda51’s Grasshopper Manufacture, among other high-profile studios.
Despite all of this, NetEase managed to announce on Friday that it is banning the use of popular third-party plug-in Blitz from future online matches.
It’s Now Been Deemed A “Cheating Software”
For the uninitiated, Blitz is a type of plug-in that provides enhanced data to primarily online multiplayer games, including Fortnite, League of Legends and Apex Legends. Per its website, it boasts over 240 million users across two billion analyzed matches.
When it comes to Marvel Rivals, Blitz provides a real-time leaderboard, complete with in-game damage information, heals, kills and assists. A health tracker gives players a heads-up on when to heal, while an energy tracker aids in coordination of ultimates.
However, according to NetEase, that is “confidential information,” thus “severely undermining the fairness of our game.” In response, it’s no longer being allowed.
“We deem this program as cheating software and will no longer allow its use during gameplay,” the announcement read.
WIth its ban now in effect, the company has promised that players who have used the plug-in before won’t face any punishment so long as they don’t use it moving forward.
“To uphold justice in our gaming universe and protect the integrity of your account, we strongly urge you to refrain from using any third-party plugins,” the announcement concluded. “Together, we can forge a vibrant and heroic gaming environment.”
For its part, Blitz has said it’s “temporarily” pausing its Marvel Rivals overlays, though it also noted it’s “working on ways to come back stronger.” Whether Blitz manages to find a way to come back remains to be seen. As does the first person banned for not following these new rules.
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