The hero shooter landscape in 2025 remains fiercely competitive, with Marvel Rivals carving out its own space despite inevitable comparisons to genre titan Overwatch. While Blizzard's flagship undeniably defined the modern hero shooter template, NetEase's Marvel-powered contender is no mere copycat. Recent leaks suggest it's poised to adopt a familiar behavioral ranking mechanic – an "Endorsement" or "Credit" system – sparking debate about imitation versus innovation. Marvel Rivals' success hinges not on avoiding Overwatch's footprints, but on how it steps beyond them, especially with features like this leaked player reputation framework. The potential is there for something truly next-level.
Evidence uncovered by prominent leaker @RivalsPsylocke reveals an inactive "Credit" system lurking within Marvel Rivals' code since launch. This system, visualized in leaked materials, functions similarly to Overwatch 2's Endorsement system at its core: tracking player behavior to assign a visible rank. The leaked structure outlines six distinct tiers, painting a clear picture of intended progression:
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🚫 Dishonorable: The baseline, likely for frequent offenders.
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❓ Questionable: Indicating inconsistent or occasionally toxic behavior.
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⚖️ Reliable: The standard, dependable teammate.
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👍 Honorable: Consistently positive conduct.
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🌟 Distinguished: Exemplary sportsmanship and teamwork.
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✨ Irreproachable: The pinnacle of in-game virtue.
Each tier reportedly alters the player's nameplate color, providing an immediate visual cue to teammates and opponents alike. While NetEase hasn't officially confirmed plans to activate this system, its existence suggests a serious consideration for implementing player behavior metrics. It's not about if they borrow the concept, but how they make it their own Marvel.
Overwatch 2's Endorsement system, while foundational, leaves significant room for improvement – a golden opportunity for Marvel Rivals to swoop in. The current OW2 model offers rewards primarily for receiving endorsements:
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Level progression (up to Level 5).
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Modest Battle Pass XP boosts tied to your endorsement level.
The critical flaw? Zero incentive for players to actually give endorsements. It's essentially a goodwill gesture with no tangible benefit for the endorser. This creates a participation gap where positive reinforcement isn't consistently encouraged. Marvel Rivals needs to plug this hole to make its system pop.
Here’s where Marvel Rivals can go big league and leave Overwatch 2 eating dust. Simply copying the reward structure isn't enough; they need juicy incentives that make players genuinely invested in both giving and receiving recognition:
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For Receivers:
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Beyond XP: Significant Battle Pass XP is good, but exclusive cosmetics tied to sustained high Credit levels are the real hook. Imagine unique nameplate effects, character emotes, victory poses, or even rare skins unlocked only by maintaining "Distinguished" or "Irreproachable" status over time. This creates long-term goals.
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Resource Bonuses: Small, regular grants of in-game currency for maintaining higher tiers.
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For Givers:
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Mandatory Reward: Award Battle Pass XP every time a player completes their endorsements after a match. Make it habitual.
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Daily/Weekly Challenges: Integrate endorsement-giving into challenge systems for bonus rewards.
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"Good Citizen" Tiers: Introduce a separate, trackable level for consistent endorsers, unlocking its own cosmetic rewards. Foster a culture of recognition.
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Another area ripe for innovation is endorsement specificity. Overwatch 1's system offered distinct medals ("Shot Caller," "Good Teammate," "Sportsmanship"), which provided clearer feedback than the current, more generalized OW2 approach. Marvel Rivals could refine this:
| Medal Type | Potential Marvel Rivals Focus | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Leader | Recognizing effective ability combos & objective focus | Highlights tactical play beyond kills |
| Heroic Support | Exceptional healing/protection/setup | Celebrates crucial non-DPS roles |
| True Believer (Sportsmanship) | Positivity, encouragement, GG messages | Combats toxicity directly |
| Worthy Adversary | NEW: Option to endorse one standout opponent | Promotes respect across teams, fuels positive rivalry |
Adding a "Worthy Adversary" option could be a game-changer, transforming rivalry into mutual respect. It subtly encourages players to acknowledge skill on the other side, fostering a healthier competitive environment where getting styled on by a slick Spider-Man play might actually earn them kudos. Talk about a friendly neighborhood feature.
The leak confirms Marvel Rivals is looking at the behavioral systems that shape a game's community. Borrowing the skeleton of Overwatch 2's Endorsements is a safe bet, but safety won't make it Marvel. The real magic – the superior evolution – lies in the execution. Will they just slap a coat of comic-book paint on it, or will they inject meaningful rewards and nuanced recognition that genuinely incentivizes players to be better teammates and rivals? Offering exclusive cosmetics for sustained good behavior, rewarding the act of endorsing others, and allowing praise for opponents... these are the elements that could transform a borrowed concept into a defining feature. Overwatch 2 set the stage; now it's Marvel Rivals' turn to steal the show. The ball's in NetEase's court to prove they understand that a hero shooter's longevity depends as much on its community's health as on its flashy hero kits. If they get this right, players might just keep them in their good books for seasons to come. If not? Well, that's a multiverse of trouble they don't need.