Marvel Rivals Beta Outperforms Expectations with Surging Player Count

NetEase's Marvel Rivals has significantly outpaced Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in beta player numbers, achieving a remarkably higher concurrent player count.

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. This substantial disparity raises concerns about Concord's prospects, especially as its official launch approaches on August 23rd. As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals' Steam peak reached 52,671 concurrent players; this figure excludes PlayStation players, suggesting the actual player count is even higher.

Marvel Rivals Flourishes While Concord Faces Challenges

Concord's performance remains underwhelming, even after its closed and open beta phases. Its ranking on Steam's most-wishlisted chart lags behind numerous indie titles, indicating a less-than-enthusiastic response. Conversely, 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 had free access, this requires a paid subscription. The subsequent open beta, despite being free, only saw a modest increase of around a thousand concurrent players.

In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals offers free-to-play access from the outset, with its closed beta requiring only a simple access request on Steam.

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

Some critics cite Concord's lack of a distinct identity in a crowded market as a contributing factor to its underperformance. Unlike Marvel Rivals, which benefits from a recognizable IP, Concord struggles to establish a unique appeal. While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially attracted attention, many found it lacked the charm of its inspirations.

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

While comparing Concord and Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given the latter's established IP, both being hero shooters underscores the competitive landscape Concord faces.