NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers.
Marvel Rivals Dominates Concord in Beta Player Count
A Massive Disparity: 50,000 vs. 2,000
Within two days of its beta launch, Marvel Rivals boasted over 50,000 concurrent players, dwarfing Concord's peak of 2,388. As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals hit a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam alone, a figure that doesn't include PlayStation players. This dramatic difference raises serious questions about Concord's prospects, especially with its official launch on August 23rd fast approaching.
Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Struggles
Even after its closed and open beta phases, Concord continues to underperform, lagging behind numerous indie titles on Steam's wishlist chart. This low ranking reflects the lukewarm reception of its beta tests. Conversely, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position in the top 14, alongside titles like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.
Concord's struggles are compounded by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, excluding many potential players. While PS Plus subscribers could play for free, the subscription cost presents a barrier. The open beta, accessible to all, only saw a thousand-player increase in peak concurrent users.
In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals is free-to-play, with beta access readily available via a simple Steam request.
The competitive hero shooter market is saturated, and Concord's high price point may have driven players towards alternatives.
Many gamers express skepticism towards Concord, citing its lack of a distinct identity in a crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a recognizable IP, Concord struggles to establish its own unique appeal. While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially attracted attention, many felt it lacked the charm of either franchise.
However, the success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that a strong IP isn't always crucial for a large player base. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players shows that a powerful IP alone doesn't guarantee success.
Although comparing Concord to Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given the latter's established IP, both being hero shooters highlights the competitive landscape Concord faces.
