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 count remains firmly in the five-figure range and continues to grow.
As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached 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, especially with its official launch date (August 23rd) approaching.
Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Struggles
Even after its closed and open beta phases, Concord continues to lag, significantly underperforming numerous indie titles on Steam's most-wishlisted chart. This low ranking reflects the lukewarm reception of its beta tests. In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position in the top 14, 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 had free access, this requires a paid subscription. Even after its open beta, player numbers only increased by a thousand.
Marvel Rivals, conversely, is free-to-play. While the closed beta required sign-up, access was readily granted.
The competitive hero shooter market is already saturated, and Concord's high price point likely deterred many players.
Many gamers are skeptical of 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 titles like Apex Legends and Valorant proves a strong brand isn't always crucial. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players demonstrates that a powerful IP alone doesn't guarantee success.
Although comparing Concord and Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given the latter's stronger IP, both are hero shooters, highlighting the competitive landscape Concord faces.
![Taffy Tales [v1.07.3a]](https://imgs.xfsxw.com/uploads/32/1719554710667e529623764.jpg)
