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One of the biggest problems that role-playing games (RPGs) have is how balance and meta works. But does it have to be this way? Not according to Chris Kaleiki, a formerWorld of Warcraftclass designer and now head of Notorious Studios. He believes that games likeMarvel Rivalsare a good example of keeping the “meta” dynamic and interesting.
Kaleiki and Notorious Studios are going to try and solve this problem in their upcoming gameLegacy: Steel & Sorcery. Taking inspiration from the success of other studios, Kaleiki hopes to address the problem of stagnation that has plagued RPGs for the longest time. But will he succeed?
Ex-World of Warcraftdev thinks NetEase got it right withMarvel Rivals
Kaleiki has seen firsthand during his work onWorld of Warcrafthow the meta tends to stagnate in RPGs. Players often find and optimize the “best for any given situation” builds, making many other options feel redundant. He believes that the best way to combat this is by frequently changing the game’s balance so that we can have more chances to adapt.
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During a recent interview withGamesRadar+, Kaleiki pointed toMarvel Rivalsas an example of how to handle this challenge. NetEase designed team-up abilities inRivalsthat change periodically togive players more character options. This brings variety to the game and is what Kaleiki wants to do with his upcoming title.
The only solution I think is you have to change the meta continually. If you look at Marvel Rivals, actually, it’s kind of interesting what NetEase did. They have teamups where two heroes get a bonus if they play with each other What they’re planning to do, which I think is smart, is that every season or every now and then they’ll just change them.
WhileMarvel Rivalsdoes it with changing team-up abilities and seasonal buffs,Legacy: Steel & Sorcerytakes a different approach. The game, which blends RPG elements with extraction shooter mechanics, plans to introduce rotating seasons where crafting materials and loot availability change over time. This system will influence which builds are most viable each season, as different resources will shape the gear that players can craft.
Players constantly have to re-evaluate and think through ‘what is best, what is the new meta?’ That’s the only thing you can really do. I think players like it and developers like it.
The game itself takes a unique approach to the RPG genre by blending elements of extraction shooters with fantasy role-playing mechanics. Unlike traditional MMORPGs that focus on vast, persistent worlds,Legacy: Steel & Sorceryoffers shorter, high-stakes adventures where players must complete objectives and extract safely to keep their loot.
Legacy: Steel & Sorceryshouldn’t have the RPG meta issue
Legacy: Steel & Sorceryis getting its Early Access launch on July 30, 2025. The game will take asimilar approach toMarvel Rivalsin its gameplay. We will start with four playable classes, Warrior, Hunter, Rogue, and Priest, alongside one main map, Greenwood. Over time, new classes like Paladin and Wizard will be introduced, alongside additional maps and game mechanics.
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The game’s Early Access period is expected to last at least 12 months. During this period, Notorious Studios plans to introduce new maps, classes, and other content updates. We can expect to see the same kind of meta-shifting experience seen inMarvel Rivalsbut within an RPG. Kaleiki has the potential to solve one of the genre’s long-standing issues
Balancing a game around a shifting meta is no easy task, andMarvel Rivalsplayers aren’t without concern. It’s likely that seasonal buffs will make long-term balance difficult to maintain. If a character receives a temporary buff in one season but loses it in the next, they might feel drastically weaker, which could very well be a problem.
Daniel Royte
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :1370
As part of the FandomWire team, Daniel has followed the hero-shooter genre closely with a focus on titles like VALORANT, Apex Legends, and Marvel Rivals. You can also find him providing insight on the latest AAA titles from Elden Ring to GTA 6 and exploring the world of gacha games like Genshin Impact and Wuthering Waves. With more than 1,000 articles under his belt, you’ll need to look no further for a unique insight into every situation.If he’s not looking for the latest video game news, you’ll find him cheering on Ferrari in the race tracks of Formula 1 or at the theatres for the latest MCU releases.
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