Marvel Rivalry Prevails: Beta Triumphs Over Competition

NetEase Games' 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 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. Marvel Rivals' player base continues to grow rapidly.

As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam alone. This figure excludes players on other platforms, suggesting the actual player count is even higher. This stark contrast raises serious questions about Concord's prospects, especially with its official launch approaching on August 23rd.

Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Struggles

Even after its closed and open beta periods, Concord continues to underperform, lagging behind numerous indie titles on Steam's most-wishlisted chart. This low ranking reflects weak beta reception. In sharp contrast, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position within the top 14, alongside major titles like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.

Concord's struggles are compounded by its $40 early access price tag for beta participation, excluding PS Plus subscribers who could play for free (requiring a separate subscription). Even after its open beta, player numbers only increased marginally.

Marvel Rivals, conversely, is free-to-play. While its closed beta required signup, access was readily granted.

The competitive hero shooter market is already saturated. Concord's high price point likely deterred many potential players.

Many gamers express skepticism about Concord's ability to stand out in a crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a well-known IP, Concord lacks a strong brand identity. While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially drew attention, it ultimately failed to capture the charm of either franchise.

However, the success of titles like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that a familiar IP isn't always crucial for success. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's relatively modest 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 being hero shooters highlights the intense competition Concord faces.