Marvel Rivals Beta Triumphs, Surpassing Concord in Player Count

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 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 approximately 2,388. Marvel Rivals' player base remains substantial and shows strong growth.

As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals peaked at 52,671 concurrent players on Steam. This figure excludes PlayStation players, a potentially significant portion of the total player base. However, the disparity highlights serious concerns about Concord's prospects, especially with its August 23rd release date approaching.

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 wishlist ranking reflects poor beta reception. Conversely, Marvel Rivals enjoys a top 14 position, 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, the subscription cost presents a barrier. The open beta, accessible to all, only saw a modest thousand-player increase in peak concurrent users.

In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals is free-to-play, offering broader accessibility. While its closed beta required sign-up, access was readily granted.

The competitive hero shooter market is saturated, and Concord's high price point likely deterred many players seeking alternatives.

Many gamers express skepticism towards Concord, citing its lack of a distinct identity in a crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which leverages a powerful IP, Concord struggles to establish its own unique appeal.

While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially drew attention, many felt it lacked the charm of either franchise.

However, the success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that a recognizable brand isn't always crucial for building a large player base. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players demonstrates that a strong IP alone isn't a guarantee of success.

Comparing Concord and Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given Marvel's established IP, but both are hero shooters, highlighting the competitive landscape Concord faces.