NetEase Games' Marvel Rivals Shatters Concord's Beta Player Count in Just Two Days
Marvel Rivals has decisively outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in player numbers during their respective beta phases, demonstrating a significant disparity in player engagement.
A Stark Contrast in Beta Performance
Within two days of its beta launch, Marvel Rivals boasted over 50,000 concurrent players on Steam, dwarfing Concord's peak of 2,388. As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a peak of 52,671 concurrent Steam players. While this figure excludes PlayStation players, the difference remains substantial and raises serious questions about Concord's prospects, especially with its official release on August 23rd fast approaching.
Marvel Rivals' Success vs. Concord's 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 highlights the lukewarm reception to its beta tests. In sharp contrast, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position within the top 14 most-wishlisted games, alongside titles like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.
A key factor contributing to this disparity is the pricing model. Concord required a $40 pre-order for Early Access beta participation, with limited free access for PS Plus subscribers. Marvel Rivals, on the other hand, is free-to-play, offering wider accessibility through a simple Steam request.
The competitive live-service hero shooter market is already saturated, and Concord's high barrier to entry may have driven players toward alternatives.
Brand Recognition and Market Saturation
Some critics argue that Concord's failure to establish a distinct identity within the crowded market hampered its success. While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially drew attention, many felt it lacked the unique charm of its inspirations.
While the success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves a strong brand isn't always crucial, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's relatively modest peak of 13,459 players illustrates that a powerful IP alone doesn't guarantee triumph.
Although comparing Concord directly to Marvel Rivals—with its established IP—might seem unfair, both games occupy the same competitive hero shooter space, highlighting the challenges Concord faces.
