NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers. The disparity is substantial.
Marvel Rivals Dominates Concord in Beta Player Counts
A Massive 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 base remains robust and continues to grow. As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals hit 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 questions about Concord's prospects, particularly with its official launch date approaching on August 23rd.
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 most-wishlisted chart. This low wishlist ranking reflects the lukewarm reception of its betas. Conversely, 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 compounded by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, excluding many potential players. While PS Plus subscribers received free access, the subscription cost acts as a barrier. Even after its open beta, player numbers only increased by a thousand.
In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals is free-to-play, making it readily accessible. While its closed beta required sign-up, access was generally easy to obtain.
The competitive hero shooter market is already saturated, and Concord's high price point likely drove players towards alternatives.
Many gamers express skepticism towards Concord, citing its failure to distinguish itself in a crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a recognizable IP, Concord lacks a strong identity. While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially attracted attention, many found it lacking 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 success. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players demonstrates that a strong IP alone doesn't guarantee a large player base.
Although comparing Concord to Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given the latter's established IP, both are hero shooters, highlighting the competitive landscape Concord faces.
