Key Takeaways
- Marvel Rivals’ swimsuit skins are locked behind a costly Summer Pass, priced at 990 Lattice with no refundable currency.
- The pass offers fewer rewards than previous options, prompting player anger and widespread boycotts.
- NetEase has yet to respond to the backlash, risking damage to its reputation and Season 3 player engagement.
Anticipated Swimsuit Skins Spark Controversy
Marvel Rivals players had long anticipated the release of summer-themed swimsuit skins, with hype building throughout Season 3. NetEase delivered on fan requests—releasing skins for popular characters like Luna Snow, The Thing, and Thor—but the celebration quickly soured. These coveted cosmetics were locked behind a new “Summer Pass,” which has triggered widespread criticism and calls for a boycott.
Summer Pass Price Hike Infuriates Players
The core issue lies in the Summer Pass’ pricing model. Unlike previous mini-passes like the Battle Chest, NetEase has raised the cost of the Summer Pass by 40%, pricing it at 990 Lattice. That makes it as expensive as the full Battle Pass, but with significantly fewer rewards and no Lattice refund mechanism.
In the Battle Pass, players could earn back Lattice—Marvel Rivals’ premium currency—offsetting their purchase. The Summer Pass, however, offers no such return. Fans feel they are being forced to pay more for less, simply because the swimsuit skins are highly desired.
Also read: 73-Year-Old Wins Tekken 8 Tournament in Japan’s Care Esports for Seniors
Fan Boycott Over Monetization Strategy
Community backlash has been swift and vocal. Social media platforms and forums are filled with posts criticizing NetEase for perceived greed and exploiting player enthusiasm. The removal of Lattice from the Summer Pass has been described as a “slap in the face,” especially given NetEase’s history of responding positively to community feedback.
To make matters worse, other swimsuit skins—like those for Psylocke and Loki—are now available directly in the in-game shop, further stoking fears of more aggressive monetization in the future.
Developer Silence Adds Fuel to the Fire
As of now, NetEase has not issued an official response to the growing discontent. While the studio has previously been praised for transparency and communication, its silence on this issue is only intensifying community frustration.
Whether this boycott will result in pricing changes or skin availability adjustments remains to be seen, but the controversy has cast a shadow over what should have been a lighthearted seasonal update.
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. The author’s views are personal and may not reflect the views of GameDegen.com. Before making any investment decisions, you should always conduct your own research. GameDegen.com is not responsible for any financial losses.
