NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers. The difference is dramatic.
Marvel Rivals Dominates Concord in Beta Player Counts
A Striking Disparity: 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. Marvel Rivals' player base remains robust and shows no signs of decline.
As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam alone. This figure excludes PlayStation players, suggesting the actual player count is even higher. This stark contrast raises serious concerns 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 periods, Concord continues to lag, significantly underperforming numerous indie titles on Steam's most-wishlisted chart. This low wishlist 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 to entry. The open beta, available to all, only managed to boost the peak player count by a thousand.
In sharp contrast, Marvel Rivals is free-to-play. While the closed beta required signup, access was readily granted.
The hero shooter market is highly competitive, and Concord's pricing strategy may have driven players to seek alternatives.
Many gamers are skeptical of Concord's ability to stand out in a saturated market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a strong, recognizable IP, Concord lacks a distinct identity. While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially attracted attention, many felt it lacked the charm of its inspirations.
However, the success of titles like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that a well-known brand isn't always crucial for a large player base. Similarly, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players demonstrates that a strong IP alone isn't a guarantee of 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.
