Sentinels Pause Operations in Marvel Rivals
Esports organization Sentinels announced a pause in their Marvel Rivals operations, subtly criticizing developer NetEase Games for their approach to supporting the esport.
Competitive Highlights
The team had a strong eight-month presence in the competitive scene of Marvel Rivals. Their notable achievement includes winning the Ignite 2025 Stage 1 Americas tournament, where they narrowly defeated 100 Thieves 4-3 in a dramatic grand final.
Challenges Faced
- Sentinels experienced an early elimination in the Mid-Season Finals.
- NetEase's lack of a revenue-sharing or team incentive program contributed to the decision.
- This occurred despite a $3 million tournament circuit launched by the game since December 2024.
Statement from Sentinels
"If and when NetEase rolls out a program with team incentives, we would revisit the decision" to compete in Marvel Rivals.
Implications for NetEase
Sentinels’ departure may encourage NetEase to speed up the implementation of a team incentive program. The Ignite 2025 Finals recently concluded with Virtus.pro crowned as champions. Sentinels placed 5th-6th in Stage 2, missing the top four cutoff for qualification.
Author’s summary: Sentinels’ exit from Marvel Rivals highlights growing tensions over NetEase’s esports support, possibly prompting the developer to improve incentives for competing teams.