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

Marvel Rivals' Beta Player Count dwarfs Concord's

A 50,000 Player Difference

Within just two days of its beta launch, Marvel Rivals boasted over 50,000 concurrent players, a figure far exceeding Concord's peak of 2,388. Marvel Rivals' player count remains in the five-digit range and continues to grow.

As of July 25th, Marvel Rivals reached a peak of 52,671 concurrent players on Steam alone. This figure doesn't include players on other platforms, suggesting the actual player count is even higher. This stark difference raises serious questions about Concord's prospects, especially with its official launch date approaching on August 23rd.

A Tale of Two Betas: Success and Struggle

Even after its closed and open beta phases, Concord continues to struggle, lagging behind many indie titles on Steam's wishlist chart. This low ranking indicates weak pre-release interest. In contrast, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position in the top 14, alongside established titles like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.

Concord's struggles are exacerbated by its $40 Early Access beta price tag, accessible for free only to PS Plus subscribers. Even after its open beta, player numbers increased by only a thousand.

Marvel Rivals, on the other hand, is free-to-play, requiring only a simple sign-up for beta access.

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

Many gamers express skepticism towards Concord's 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 drew attention, it failed to capture the charm of either franchise.

The success of games like Apex Legends and Valorant proves that brand recognition isn't always crucial for building a player base. Conversely, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's relatively modest peak of 13,459 players demonstrates that a strong IP alone doesn't guarantee success.

Although comparing Concord to Marvel Rivals might seem unfair given the latter's established IP, both are hero shooters competing in the same demanding market.