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

Marvel Rivals Beta's Stunning Success: Outperforming Concord by a Wide Margin

Marvel Rivals, NetEase Games' hero shooter, has achieved remarkable success in its beta launch, significantly outpacing Sony and Firewalk Studios' Concord in player numbers. The disparity is striking.

A Massive Player Count Difference

Within just two days of its beta launch, Marvel Rivals boasted over 50,000 concurrent players on Steam, dwarfing Concord's peak of approximately 2,388. This impressive figure, reaching a high of 52,671, is even more significant considering it excludes players on other platforms.

Contrasting Fortunes: Marvel Rivals vs. Concord

While Marvel Rivals thrives, Concord continues to struggle. Even after its closed and open beta phases, Concord's performance lags behind many indie titles on Steam's wishlist chart, suggesting a less enthusiastic reception. In stark contrast, Marvel Rivals enjoys a prominent position among top contenders like Dune: Awakening and Sid Meier's Civilization VII.

A key factor contributing to this disparity is the pricing model. Concord required a $40 pre-order for beta access, excluding PS Plus subscribers, while Marvel Rivals offered free-to-play access from the outset. This accessibility likely played a significant role in attracting a larger player base.

Brand Recognition and Market Saturation

Concord's struggles might also stem from its lack of a strong, instantly recognizable brand, unlike Marvel Rivals which benefits from the Marvel IP. While a familiar brand isn't always crucial for success (as demonstrated by Apex Legends and Valorant), the saturated hero shooter market makes standing out crucial. Even a strong IP doesn't guarantee success, as Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League's relatively modest player count shows.

Though comparing the two games might seem unfair due to the Marvel IP's inherent advantage, both being hero shooters highlights the competitive landscape Concord faces. Marvel Rivals’ beta launch demonstrates the power of accessibility and brand recognition in a fiercely competitive market.