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 just 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' Steam peak reached 52,671, a figure that excludes 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 betas. Conversely, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position within the top 14 most-wishlisted games, 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 had free access, the subscription cost itself presents a barrier. The open beta, while free, only saw a thousand additional players.
In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals is free-to-play. While its closed beta required sign-up, access was readily granted.
The competitive hero shooter market is already saturated, and Concord's high price point likely pushed players towards alternatives.
Many gamers express skepticism towards Concord's ability to stand out in this crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a recognizable IP, Concord lacks a distinct identity. While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially attracted attention, it failed to capture the charm of either franchise.
However, the success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that a strong brand isn't always crucial. 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 due to the latter's established IP, both being hero shooters highlights the intense competition Concord faces.
