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Source: NetEase / Marvel Rivals
Marvel Rivals is one of the most popular games out at the moment, so it’s shocking to hear that its development team is experiencing layoffs.
Spotted on Insider Gaming, multiple social media reports state that NetEase has laid off Marvel Rivals’ entire development team. Marvel Rivals’ game director Thaddeus Sasser revealed the sad and surprising news in a post on LinkedIn he shared on Tuesday afternoon.
“This is such a weird industry…” Sasser wrote. “My stellar, talented team just helped deliver an incredibly successful new franchise in Marvel Rivals for NetEase Games…and were just laid off!”
According to Sasser, NetEase laid off the Seattle-based team that was tasked with “coming up with new level design mechanics, gameplay mechanics, and so on.”
Level designer Garry McGee, one of the affected developers, and level designer Jack Burrows, who confirmed the news via his post on LinkedIn, were among those who lost their jobs.
Social Media Is Stunned
According to Circana data from industry analyst Mat Piscatella, Marvel Rivals is one of the top five games with the most active users across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Steam, so it’s not surprising that social media is stunned by the news.
“Marvel Rivals is the hottest game out rn, just revealed 2 banger characters, and people still got laid off. The industry is cooked,” one user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote.
Journalist Alyssa Mercante wrote, “Even successful game devs are not safe, because THE PROBLEMS ARE AT THE TOP.”
SpawnOnMe’s Kahlief Adams wrote on X, “Rivals a super popular and profitable game letting go their Game Director the same day as they debut new content seems like Bizzaro land and business as usual at the same time. Success is also in the upside down…”
As Adams mentioned, this tragic news came as Marvel Rivals announced that The Thing and Human Torch from The Fantastic 4 will be in the game this Friday. Blade, the vampire hunter, has also been teased.
Bruh, the video game industry is on one right now. You can see more reactions in the gallery below.
5. When all else fails blame Donald Trump
Will Smith has a couple of eerie coincidences that he doesn’t like talking about too much. During a sit-down with the Broken Record podcast with co-host Justin Richmond, the entertainer revealed that he talked to The Notorious B.I.G. and Prince before their untimely deaths, with his run-in with Biggie being the first time he and […]
LISA‘s upcoming album Alter Ego might explore the five different sides of the BLACKPINK star, but in a new project coinciding with the LP, she’s downsizing to the two-dimensional world of comic-book panels.
As announced Tuesday (Feb. 18), the singer-rapper is launching a new venture, Lalisa Comics, in partnership with Zero Zero Entertainment, beginning with a 56-page graphic novel titled Alter-Ego: The Official Comic. Authored by LISA and illustrated by MINOMIYABI, the book will give fans a deeper understanding of the five personas the K-pop star individually channels throughout the songs on Alter Ego — Vixi, Roxi, Kiki, Sunni and Speedi — through comic-style storytelling.
“When three ruthless bullies trap Vixi in a virtual reality nightmare, her friends dive headfirst into the digital battleground,” reads a description on the product’s website. “Proving that while Vixi may work alone, she never has to fight alone.”
Trending on Billboard
Now available for purchase, the comics will ship out March 24, about a month after the Feb. 28 release of Alter Ego. LISA has been teasing the release of her debut solo LP for months, getting fans hyped up with singles “Rockstar,” “New Woman” featuring Rosalía and “Moonlit Floor (Kiss Me).” Most recently, the White Lotus Season 3 star dropped “Born Again” featuring Doja Cat — whom LISA once called her “dream” collaborator — and Raye.
LISA has been teasing the five-persona concept behind Alter Ego since she first announced the LP in November, at which time she dropped an album trailer hinting at each of the alter egos’ contrasting aesthetics. In a January interview with Capital Breakfast‘s Jordan North, the Thai musician revealed which identity is her favorite: Vixi, because “she’s the bada–, she’s a villain.”
“I was trying so many different kinds of music styles while I was recording,” she added at the time. “I was like, ‘Oh, well I’ve never done this kind of stuff before, but it sounds great. Why not just kind of like put all the different styles into the album and call it Alter Ego?’”
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Source: WWD / Getty
Dave Chappelle’s Saturday Night Live monologue caused a stir when he revealed that producers had told him he couldn’t talk about two hot-button topics: Gaza and transgender issues. For over 15 minutes, Chappelle delivered his usual edgy humor but hinted at the censorship behind the scenes. Known for his fearless approach to comedy, Chappelle’s never been one to hold back, but on SNL, there were limits.
When it comes to Gaza, Chappelle had already called the situation a “genocide,” a term that’s been super controversial, especially with mainstream media trying to avoid the heat. With so much tension around the issue, producers didn’t want to risk opening that can of worms on live TV.
In ‘The Closer’ (2021), Dave Chappelle got mad heat for his jokes about trans folks, which many saw as straight-up “punching down.” He talked about a trans woman friend of his, but the way he framed it rubbed people the wrong way. His comedy sparked a lot of noise, with folks calling him out for disrespecting a marginalized group. That drama made waves all over, even having shows like SNL hesitant. With all the backlash, the legendary comedian had to tone down his jokes, especially around trans and Gaza topics, just to avoid catching heat.
Dave Chappelle’s comedy is known for hitting hard and not caring who it offends. He tackles tough topics like race, gender, and social issues with no filter, often crossing lines that others wouldn’t dare. Some folks see it as crossing the line, but Chappelle argues his goal isn’t to hurt—it’s to make people think and start conversations.
A lawsuit accusing Bassnectar (born Lorin Ashton) of sexually abusing three underage girls has been settled ahead of trial. According to court documents filed in U.S. District Court in Tennessee on Tuesday (Feb. 18), the case against the electronic music producer was dismissed with prejudice, meaning it cannot be refiled, after the two sides reached […]
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Source: @tomsachs/Nike / Instagram
Nike and Tom Sachs are back on good terms, which means a crispy pair of sneakers. The latter, dropped a couple of photos of the forthcoming NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0 which is guaranteed to be one of the most hyped—and likely difficult to acquire (for retail price)—sneakers of the year, already.
Source: Nike / Complex
However, you can’t gloss over the fact Sachs—a renowned but controversial contemporary artist—and Nike were recently on the outs after allegations of his abuse behavior toward employees began to surface in early 2023. At the time, Sachs and Nike were in the midst of pushing the NikeCraft General Purpose Shoe, which came to a quick halt after the allegations and just several colorways were released. Although the model (which sported a more democratized purchase process that meant easier access and more pairs) was paused, Nike never completely severed ties with Sachs, taking a wait and see approach, and officially resuming their partnership in late 2024. “Tom has demonstrated and recommitted to fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity,” said Nike in a statement at the time.
As far as we can tell, Sachs’ hasn’t generated any new troubling headlines, and he’s back in official business with the Swoosh, and the NikeCraft Mars Yard 3.0 is set to drop in September per his Instagram post. At first glance, the sneaker itself doesn’t look like a radical departure from the Mars Yard 2.0 (which dropped in 2012 and 2017) but it is more like an optimization. Some of those updates include Nike’s React cushioning in the midsole, a black TPU toecap and a carbon fiber plate.
The Mars Yard 2.0 from 2017 was a smooth $200 (and fetches $1600 on StockX at the moment) so you can probably expect the 2025 version to be at least a bit pricier. Good hunting—we suggest you call up your sneaker plug not now but right now.
Central Cee, Ayra Starr and Vybz Kartel were all winners at the MOBO Awards (Music Of Black Origin) in Newcastle, England, on Tuesday evening (Feb. 18). The ceremony honors homegrown and international artists from diverse scenes including hip-hop, R&B, grime, jazz, and Afrobeats.
First held in 1996, the MOBOs were founded by Kanya King and Andy Ruffell to provide representation for Black artists at a dedicated ceremony. The awards were held every year up until 2017. Following a brief hiatus, they returned in 2021 and 2022, but took a fallow year in 2023 and resumed once again in 2024.
Trending on Billboard
Central Cee scooped the best male act prize for the second year in a row, and gave the Londoner his seventh MOBO trophy overall. The win puts him level with Stormzy as the most-decorated UK rapper in the Awards’ history.
British-Nigerian Afrobeats star Darkoo was victorious in the best female act category, earning the 23-year-old her debut MOBO Award. She also performed at the ceremony alongside Spice, Krept & Konan, Odeal, Nova Twins, Bashy and more.
The ceremony was hosted by comedian Eddie Kadi and Love Island star Indiyah Polack and broadcast live on YouTube. Highlights from the ceremony will air on BBC One on Friday evening (Feb. 21).
There were also wins in major categories for Bashy, who scooped best album for Being Poor Is Expensive, which featured in Billboard U.K.’s albums of the year list in December. Song of the year went to Darkoo for her Dess Dior collaboration “Favourite Girl,” while Benin-born, Nigeria-raised Ayra Starr won best international artist (the first African female to win the prize) and best African music act (the first female to win for 16 years).
Vybz Kartel won the honorary MOBO impact award, which in recent years has been awarded to pop trio Sugababes and boxer Frank Bruno. Ezra Collective prevailed in the best jazz category for the third time in their career; the London group are nominated for four awards at this year’s BRIT Awards on March 1.
In recent years the MOBOs has broadened its categories to recognise the contributions made by Black artists to the U.K’s rock scene and its club culture. At 2025’s ceremony, rock duo Alt Blk Era won the best alternative act, while DJ and producer TSHA picked up best dance act.
See the full winners of the MOBO Awards 2025 below.
Best male act
BashyWINNER: Central CeeD-Block EuropeGhettsNemzzzSampha
Best female act
Cleo Sol
WINNER: Darkoo
Jorja Smith
Little Simz
Nia Archives
Raye
Album of the year
WINNER: Bashy – Being Poor Is ExpensiveCleo Sol – GoldGhetts – On Purpose, With PurposeJorja Smith – Falling Or FlyingSampha – LahaiSkrapz – Reflection
Song of the year
Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby – “Band4band”
Chase & Status, Stormzy – “Backbone”
WINNER: Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – “Favourite Girl”
Jordan Adetunji – “Kehlani”
Leostaytrill – “Pink Lemonade”
Odeal – “Soh-soh”
Best newcomer
Chy Cartier
Elmiene
Fimiguerrero
Flowerovlove
Jordan Adetunji
Len
Leostaytrill
Myles Smith
WINNER: Odeal
Pozer
Video of the year
Meekz – “Mini Me’s” (Directed By Kc Locke)
WINNER: Mnelia – “My Man” (Directed By Femi Bello)
Raye – “Genesis” (Directed By Otis Dominique & Raye)
Sampha – “Only” (Directed By Dexter Navy)
Skepta – “Gas Me Up (Diligent)” (Directed By Steveo)
Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – “Hocus Pocus” (Directed By Felix Brady)
Best R&B/soul act
Cleo Sol
Elmiene
Flo
Jaz Karis
Jorja Smith
Nippa
WINNER: Odeal
Sasha Keable
Shae Universe
Sinead Harnett
Best alternative music act
WINNER: ALT BLK ERA
Bob Vylan
Hak Baker
Kid Bookie
Native James
Spider
Best grime act
Chip
D Double E
Duppy
Kruz Leone
Manga Saint Hilare
WINNER: Scorcher
Best hip hop act
WINNER: Bashy
Cristale
Headie One
Nines
Potter Payper
Skrapz
Best drill act
163MargsCentral CeeHeadie OneKairo KeyzK-trapWINNER: Pozer
Best international act
AsakeWINNER: Ayra StarrBeyoncéGloRillaKendrick LamarLattoMegan Thee StallionNicki MinajTemsTyla
Best performance in a TV show/film
Angela Wynter As Yolande Trueman In EastendersCaroline Chikezie As Noma In Power Book II: GhostDiane Parish As Denise Fox In EastendersDionne Brown As Queenie In QueenieGhetts As Krazy In SupacellWINNER: Jacob Anderson As Louis In Interview With The VampireJasmine Jobson As Jaq In Top BoyJosh Tedeku As Tazer In SupacellKingsley Ben-adir As Bob Marley In Bob Marley: One LoveTosin Cole As Michael In Supacell
Best media personality
WINNER: 90’s Baby ShowAJ OduduChuckie OnlineCraig MitchHenrie KwushueMadame JoyceMicah RichardsSpecs GonzalezThe Receipts PodcastZeze Millz
Best African music act
Asake (Nigeria)
WINNER: Ayra Starr (Nigeria)
Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)
King Promise (Ghana)
Odumodublvck (Nigeria)
Rema (Nigeria)
Shallipopi (Nigeria)
Tems (Nigeria)
Tyla (South Africa)
Uncle Waffles (South Africa)
Best Caribbean music act
Popcaan
WINNER: Shenseea
Skillibeng
Spice
Valiant
Yg Marley
Best jazz act
Amy Gadiaga
Blue Lab Beats
Ego Ella May
WINNER: Ezra Collective
Kokoroko
Yussef Dayes
Best electronic/dance act
Eliza Rose
Nia Archives
Pinkpantheress
Salute
Shygirl
WINNER: Tsha
Best producer
Ceebeaats
Inflo
WINNER: Juls
M1onthebeat
P2j
Sammy Soso
Best gospel act
WINNER: Annatoria
Imrhan
Limoblaze
Reblah
Still Shadey
Volney Morgan & New Ye
MGK is looking forward to his second round of fatherhood. The rocker, who is expecting a child with his ex-fiancée Megan Fox, took to his Instagram Stories on Sunday (Feb. 16) to share a photo of a church stage, which showed the projected message, “Your past is not your purpose—your priority is ahead of you.” […]
Cynthia Erivo‘s next role is the exact opposite of wicked. As announced Tuesday (Feb. 18), the singer/actress is locked in to star as the titular role in Jesus Christ Superstar, running three nights in a row at the Hollywood Bowl this August. The Pinocchio star personally shared the news of her casting on Instagram, as […]
Farruko is back atop Billboard’s Latin Pop Airplay chart as “Cables Cruzados” lifts 2-1 to rule the Feb. 22-dated tally. The Puerto Rican returns with his first song to rule in over a year.
“Cables Cruzados” was the focus track on Farruko’s 26-track studio album Cvrbon Vrmor (2024), his first full-length since the No. 1 set La 167 (2021). The song was a full embrace of the pop side he periodically showcased on past releases and arrived following his transformative spiritual conversion.
“Cables Cruzados” lands at No. 1 on Latin Pop Airplay, where it vaults 5.8 million audience impressions across U.S. pop radio stations in the tracking week ending Feb. 13, according to Luminate; that’s a 22% boost in weekly plays from last week.
Trending on Billboard
The song dethrones Shakira’s “Soltera” from its 18-week-straight coronation, the third-longest reign in the 2020s decade (Rauw Alejandro’s “Todo De Ti” and Karol G’s “Provenza” dominated for 28 and 21 weeks, respectively, in 2021 and 2022).
“Cables” becomes Farruko’s eighth win on Latin Pop Airplay among 40 career entries. The single also gives him a first champ since 2023, when “Pasa_je_ro” seized the No. 1 slot for five consecutive weeks in 2023, his longest-leading song there.
Farruko’s winning streak began with 2016’s “Obsesionado” (two weeks in charge). That same year, “Chillax,” featuring Ky-Mani Marley, led for one week.
As it has become a norm for Farruko’s leading songs on Latin Pop Airplay, “Cables” lands at No. 1 in its 17th week, a two-digit run to the penthouse as the rest of his eight champs. Let’s take a closer look at those eight winners and their journey to No. 1, from least to most:
Weeks to No. 1, Song, Weeks at No. 1, Year11, “Obsesionado,” two (2016)13, “Perfecta,” with Luis Fonsi, two (2020)13, “Me Pasé,” with Enrique Iglesias, one (2021)16, “Si Me Dices Que Sí,” with Reik & Camilo, two (2020)17, “Cables Cruzados,” (2025)21, “Chillax,” featuring Ky-Mani Marley, one (2016)22, “Pasa_je_ro,” five (2023)25, ‘Calma,” with Pedro Capo, one (2019)
Thanks to a winning performance across radio pop stations, “Cables Cruzados” delivers its first top 10 appearance on the overall Latin Airplay chart, where it climbs 18-10, Farruko’s 18th top 10 there.
All charts (dated Feb. 22, 2025) will update on Billboard.com tomorrow, Feb. 19, a day later than usual due to the Presidents’ Day holiday in the United States Feb. 17. For all chart news, you can follow @billboard and @billboardcharts on both X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.