NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers, achieving a vastly superior performance.
Marvel Rivals Dominates Concord in Beta Player Count
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. Marvel Rivals' player count remains firmly in the five-digit range, showing no signs of decline.
As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals peaked at 52,671 concurrent players on Steam. It's important to note that this figure excludes PlayStation players, a potentially substantial portion of the total player base. However, the dramatic disparity in beta performance raises significant concerns about Concord's prospects, particularly with its official launch date (August 23rd) fast approaching.
Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Struggles
Even after its closed and open beta phases, Concord continues to lag, significantly underperforming numerous indie titles on Steam's most-wishlisted chart. This low ranking reflects the lukewarm reception of its beta tests. In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position within the top 14, alongside titles like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.
Concord's struggles are exacerbated by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, excluding many potential players. While PS Plus subscribers received free access, this requires a paid subscription. The open beta, accessible to all, only managed a thousand additional concurrent players.
In contrast, Marvel Rivals adopted a free-to-play model from the outset, significantly broadening its appeal. While its closed beta required sign-up, access was readily granted.
The competitive hero shooter market is already saturated, and Concord's pricing strategy may have driven players towards alternatives.
Many gamers express skepticism towards Concord, citing its failure to differentiate itself in a crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which leverages a powerful and recognizable IP, Concord lacks a distinct identity. While initially praised for its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic, many feel it fails to capture the charm of either franchise.
However, the success of titles like Apex Legends and Valorant demonstrates that a strong IP isn't always crucial for building a large player base. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players highlights that a powerful IP alone doesn't guarantee success.
Comparing Concord to Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given the latter's established IP, but both being hero shooters underscores the intense competition Concord faces.
