Marvel Rivals Surges to 10 Million Players While Concord's Failure Sparks Debate

The new superhero-themed hero shooter thrives with its chaotic gameplay and free-to-play model, contrasting sharply with Concord's rapid shutdown.

Marvel Rivals, a free-to-play hero shooter from NetEase, has attracted over 10 million players within three days of its December 6 launch.
The game’s success is attributed to its accessible gameplay, Marvel-themed characters, and chaotic yet engaging design that prioritizes fun over competitive balance.
Director Thaddeus Sasser highlighted Concord’s failure, citing its lack of unique value and a $40 price tag as barriers in a crowded hero shooter market dominated by Overwatch 2.
Marvel Rivals introduces unique features like destructible environments and hero synergies, allowing players to unlock special abilities through specific team compositions.
Despite its strong start, players have raised concerns over the absence of role-locking, with some demanding changes to address skewed team dynamics caused by excessive Duelist picks.