A recent report has shed light on a controversial aspect of Marvel Rivals—its use of bot lobbies. The revelation has left the game’s community divided, with some players seeing it as a clever strategy, while others view it as a frustrating flaw in an otherwise popular title.
The Bot Lobby Strategy
According to the report shared by Reddit user ciaranxy on the Marvel Rivals subreddit, developer NetEase Games employs bot lobbies in a unique way. Instead of introducing bots solely for new players, as is common in many competitive games, Marvel Rivals reportedly activates bot lobbies for players who experience consecutive losses in Quickplay mode.
The setup, as described, places the struggling player on a team with four human teammates and one bot. Meanwhile, their opponents are entirely composed of bots. Some telltale signs of these bot accounts include being permanently set to level 1 and having restricted account privacy settings.
A Divisive Topic Among Fans
The report has sparked a heated discussion within the community. On one side, critics are vehemently opposed to the use of bots outside dedicated AI modes. They argue that these lobbies create an artificial perception of player skill, potentially misleading users into believing they’re performing better than they are. Some players have called for an option in matchmaking settings to enable or disable bot lobbies, ensuring a more transparent and fair experience.
On the other hand, a significant portion of the community sees bot lobbies as a harmless or even beneficial feature. These players argue that since bots are confined to Quickplay and not ranked modes, their presence doesn’t affect the competitive integrity of the game. For some, encountering bots after a string of tough matches provides a much-needed morale boost, allowing them to regain confidence and enjoy the game again.
Marvel Rivals’ Rise to Prominence
Despite the controversy, Marvel Rivals has carved out a solid niche for itself in the competitive looter shooter genre. Competing with giants like Overwatch and Paladins, its rapid ascent has been nothing short of impressive. However, as with any popular game, it’s not without its flaws, and the bot lobby debate highlights a feature that has fans both intrigued and frustrated.
What Players Want
For those opposed to bot lobbies, the main demand is clarity and choice. Many players believe that NetEase Games should provide an option to toggle bots on or off in matchmaking settings. This would give players control over their gaming experience and address concerns about fairness and transparency.
Critics also suspect that the use of bots might be an attempt to artificially boost player engagement by making them feel more skilled or successful than they might be in a purely human match. If true, this raises questions about whether the feature prioritizes player satisfaction or retention metrics.
Season 1 and the Road Ahead
With Marvel Rivals’ first season just days away, fans are eager to see how the developers respond to the growing debate. Will the next community update address the concerns around bot lobbies? Or will NetEase Games double down on its current approach?
Regardless of how this issue unfolds, it’s clear that Marvel Rivals has struck a chord with its community. The conversation around bot lobbies underscores the passionate fanbase the game has cultivated and the high expectations players have for its future.
As the debate continues, one thing is certain: Marvel Rivals has already secured its place as a standout title in the competitive gaming world, even as it grapples with balancing innovation and player satisfaction.
