Marvel Rivals’ Beta Surpasses Concord’s Player Count in Just Two Days

NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers. The disparity is dramatic.

Marvel Rivals Dominates Concord in Beta Player Count

A Massive 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 2,388. Marvel Rivals' player count remains firmly in the five-digit range and shows no signs of decline.

As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals peaked at 52,671 concurrent players on Steam. It's important to note that this figure excludes PlayStation players, a potentially substantial portion of the total player base. However, the stark difference in beta performance raises serious concerns about Concord's prospects, especially with its official launch on August 23rd fast approaching.

Marvel Rivals Flourishes, While Concord Struggles

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

Concord's struggles are compounded by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, excluding many potential players. While PS Plus subscribers could play for free, this requires a paid subscription. The open beta, accessible to all, only managed a thousand additional concurrent players.

In contrast, Marvel Rivals is free-to-play. While its closed beta required sign-up, access was readily granted via Steam.

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

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

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

However, the success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that 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 isn't a guarantee of success.

Although comparing Concord to Marvel Rivals might seem unfair due to the latter's established IP, both being hero shooters highlights the intense competition Concord faces.