NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers, showcasing a considerable disparity in player engagement.
Marvel Rivals' Beta Player Count Far Exceeds Concord
A Striking Difference: 50,000 vs. 2,000
Within just two days of its beta launch, Marvel Rivals boasted over 50,000 concurrent players, dwarfing Concord's peak of 2,388. This substantial difference highlights a significant gap in player interest. As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam alone, a figure that doesn't include players on other platforms.
The dramatic contrast in beta performance raises concerns about Concord's prospects, especially with its official launch date approaching on August 23rd.
Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Faces Challenges
Even after its closed and open beta phases, Concord continues to struggle, lagging behind many indie titles on Steam's wishlist chart. This low ranking reflects less-than-stellar beta reception. Conversely, Marvel Rivals enjoys a strong position within the top 14 most-wishlisted games, alongside titles like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.
Concord's challenges are compounded by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, limiting accessibility. While PS Plus subscribers gained free access, this still requires a paid subscription. The open beta, available to all, only saw a thousand player increase.
In contrast, Marvel Rivals' free-to-play model and easily accessible closed beta (via a simple Steam request) likely contributed to its success.
The competitive hero shooter market is already saturated, and Concord's pricing strategy may have driven players to explore alternative options.
Some gamers express skepticism towards Concord's ability to stand out in a crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a recognizable IP, Concord lacks a distinct identity. While its initial marketing compared it to Overwatch and Guardians of the Galaxy, many felt it failed to capture the charm of either franchise.
However, the success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant demonstrates that a strong brand isn't always crucial for player acquisition. Similarly, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players proves that a powerful IP alone doesn't guarantee success.
Although comparing Concord and Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given the latter's established IP, both being hero shooters underscores the competitive landscape Concord faces.
