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

NetEase Games' Marvel Rivals Shatters Concord's Beta Player Count in Just Two Days

Marvel Rivals has significantly outperformed Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in player numbers during their respective beta tests. The difference is dramatic.

Marvel Rivals dwarfs Concord's Beta Participation

Within two days of its beta launch, Marvel Rivals boasted over 50,000 concurrent players, a figure far exceeding Concord's peak of 2,388. As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a staggering 52,671 concurrent players on Steam alone. This number doesn't even account for players on other platforms.

The stark contrast highlights Concord's struggles, particularly as its official release nears on August 23rd.

Concord's uphill battle amidst Marvel Rivals' success

Even after its closed and open beta phases, Concord remains significantly below many indie titles on Steam's wishlist chart, indicating weak pre-release interest. Conversely, Marvel Rivals enjoys a top 14 position.

A key difference lies in accessibility. Concord's Early Access beta required a $40 pre-order, excluding PS Plus subscribers. Marvel Rivals, however, is free-to-play, with beta access easily obtained via Steam. This pricing strategy may have significantly impacted Concord's player acquisition.

The crowded hero shooter market, coupled with Concord's lack of a distinct identity compared to the recognizable Marvel brand, might also contribute to its underperformance. While a strong IP doesn't guarantee success (as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's 13,459 peak demonstrates), the Marvel name clearly provides a significant advantage.

Although comparing the two games might seem unfair due to the IP disparity, both being hero shooters underscores the competitive landscape Concord faces. The success of Marvel Rivals serves as a potent example of the challenges ahead for Concord.