Marvel Game Triumphs: Beta Surpasses Rival in Player Count

NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers, showcasing a substantial disparity.

Marvel Rivals Dominates Concord in Beta Player Count

A Striking 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 approximately 2,388. Marvel Rivals' player base continues to grow exponentially.

As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam, a figure that excludes PlayStation players. This disparity raises serious questions about Concord's prospects, especially with its official launch on August 23rd fast approaching.

Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Faces Challenges

Even following its closed and open beta periods, Concord continues to struggle, lagging behind numerous indie titles on Steam's most-wishlisted chart. This low ranking highlights the lukewarm reception of its beta tests. In 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.

Concord's performance is further hampered by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, excluding many potential players. While PS Plus subscribers received free access, the subscription cost presents a significant barrier. The open beta, though free, only managed to increase the peak player count by a meager thousand.

In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals offers free-to-play access from the outset. While the closed beta required sign-up, access was readily granted to those requesting it on Steam.

The competitive hero shooter market is already saturated, and Concord's pricing strategy may have driven players towards more accessible alternatives.

Many gamers express skepticism towards Concord, citing its failure to differentiate itself in a crowded market. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which leverages a powerful and recognizable IP, Concord lacks a distinct identity.

While initially praised for its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic, many feel it falls short of capturing the charm of either franchise.

However, the success of titles like Apex Legends and Valorant demonstrates that a strong brand isn't always crucial for success. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's peak of 13,459 players shows that a prominent 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.