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

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 Striking 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-digit range and shows no signs of decline.

As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals hit a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam alone. This figure excludes players on other platforms, suggesting the actual player count is even higher. This stark contrast raises serious questions about Concord's prospects, particularly with its official launch on August 23rd rapidly approaching.

Marvel Rivals Flourishes, While Concord Faces an Uphill Battle

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

Concord's challenges are compounded by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, excluding many potential players. While PS Plus subscribers could access it for free, this still requires a paid subscription. The open beta, accessible to all, only added a thousand players to the peak count.

In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals is free-to-play, offering readily available access via a simple Steam request.

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

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

While its "Overwatch meets Guardians of the Galaxy" aesthetic initially drew attention, many found it lacked the charm of either franchise. However, the success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that a strong IP isn't always crucial for success. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's relatively modest peak of 13,459 players demonstrates that a big IP is no guarantee of a large player base.

Comparing Concord and Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given Marvel's established brand recognition; however, both being hero shooters highlights the intense competition Concord faces.