Marvel Rivals Director Defends Psylocke Skin Design, Rejects “Gooner Game” Label

Ahsan Kabir Published August 14, 2025

Marvel Rivals has been catching a lot of heat lately, with some fans saying it leans too much into sexualized cosmetic designs. The talk got louder after the game dropped several swimsuit and more revealing skins. During the Mid-Season Ignite event, which ran from August 6–10, 2025 in Guangzhou, China, Creative Director Guangyun “Guangguang” Chen spoke openly about the criticism. Chen shared how the team comes up with designs and how players have been reacting.

How Marvel Rivals Designs Its Skins

Image Credits: NetEase Games

Chen believes many of the revealing skins are straight from classic comic book looks. Characters like Mantis and Psylocke have outfits that lift directly from well-known Marvel designs, for example, Psylocke’s “Vengeance” skin, but the devs also throw in what Chen calls “fashionable” changes so they pop more in-game. The thought behind it is to give fans both that comic-book accuracy and something fresh to look at.

He also walked through the hero design process. First, the team picks the season’s storyline and figures out which locations and heroes make sense. Then they talk it through with Marvel to lock the roster. From there, each hero’s abilities are planned, tested in a basic prototype, and then sent into full art production. After visuals and gameplay are joined up, the hero goes through balance checks — including sessions with top-level players — before release.

Chen also expressed that not every design is just a nod to old comics. Some, like Squirrel Girl’s Krakoa Resort outfit, come from both the season’s story and real-world culture. Chen even pointed out the outfit’s style nods to Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” music video. He says this approach makes skins feel tied to seasonal events and pop culture. It’s not just random dress-up.

Chen Addresses Player Reception to the Controversial Marvel Rivals Skins

Image Credits: NetEase Games

When it comes to player feedback, Chen says most people have been positive. “We take those classic comic designs and create some more fashionable designs based on them, to gain players’ appreciation,” he explained. “I think this also reflects the broad recognition from our players.” He thanked fans for sharing thoughts and said the team will keep aiming for that mix of authentic and creative.

The whole “gooner game” label hasn’t changed the team’s direction. Chen made it clear they want variety in cosmetics. And as long as players are enjoying the designs, the team feels confident they’re on the right track. The criticism may be loud, but Chen’s words suggest Marvel Rivals will keep going bold with its skins if the wider community keeps liking them.

Getting called out for fan service is not anything new for Marvel. It’s baked into the DNA of superhero media. For decades, comic book art has leaned into exaggerated, idealized, and yes, often sexualized designs. Some fans see that as part of the genre’s charm, while others think it’s outdated, maybe a relic that needs to be left behind. The free to play game isn’t starting that conversation. It’s just the latest game caught in the middle of it.