With the full launch of Marvel Rivals later today, the NetEase team has taken a moment to discuss the monetization model of the PC team brawler via a dev diary.
There’ll be two primary forms of monetization: cosmetic purchases, whether individual or through bundles, and Battle Passes. The premium currency will be Lattice, sold at its lowest at 99 cents for 100, or at its top rate for $99.99 for 11,680. There’ll also be a free currency called Units, which can be bought as well for Lattice.
A lot of cosmetics can be directly bought, but many will be included in fuller bundles that give a discount to the overall price of individual items, plus throw in extra goodies. “Standard bundles” for now will include a costume, a special MVP animation, an emote, a spray, and a nameplate. Bundle prices will range from 1,600 Units to 2,400 Units.
More cosmetics and similar goodies, which are described as comparable in quality to bundle items, will also be made available through the Season Passes. These Season Passes also give out the Lattice currency, pass-specific tokens, and five costume and cosmetics. Plus, there’s also a fresh perk rare for games: the timing for Battle Passes is only limited to purchasing. Once a Pass goes out of season, you can still earn the rewards for it.
Given Marvel Rivals has had relatively good reception so far, a fair and equitable monetization system that’s not pay-to-play may be the proper icing on the cake.
