Summary
Thaddeus Sasser, the game director ofMarvel Rivals, believes thatConcordfailed to reach an audience because it didn’t add any “unique value” to the market. BothMarvel RivalsandConcordentered the competitive hero shooter market in 2024. While Marvel’s newest title has seen a lot of success,Concordwas shut down by Sony shortly after its debut.
Sony’s hero shooterConcordfeatured a full cast of original characters, much like Blizzard’sOverwatch. While Sony tried to introduce its audience to the new heroes and compelling gameplay, it failed to attract a consistent playerbase. Unfortunately,Sony announced the closure of Firewalk Studios afterConcordwas shut down. Some fans blame the fact thatConcordwasn’t free-to-play, while others believe its failure was due to poor marketing. In contrast,Marvel Rivalswas released as a free-to-play game and almost instantly connected with audiences across multiple platforms.
In an interview with theVideoGamer podcast,Marvel Rivalsgame director Thaddeus Sasser stated that he didn’t believeConcordbrought “unique value” to the hero shooter market. He also referred to a “switching cost” associated with launching a new hero shooter. “I’ve already invested inOverwatch, I’ve got 15 skins for Pharah, I’m not going anywhere,” Sasser said. The director believes that his game stands apart because its characters are a known quantity. Marvel has a massive built-in audience thanks to the comics and the MCU. In contrast toConcord, Sasser’s hero shooter has already fostered an audience, asMarvel Rivalsreached a milestone of 10 million downloadsshortly after launch.
Marvel Rivals Director Questions Concord’s “Unique Value”
When Sasser was pitched the idea ofMarvel Rivals, he was immediately excited. “I don’t know about you, but when I heard the concept of the game I was like ‘Oh my God I want to go be Storm in a game,’ ‘I want to go be Doctor Strange in a game,'” the director said.Marvel Rivalsgives players the opportunity to embody many of their favorite heroes and villains. With 33 characters to choose from and a free-to-play model, it’s easy for all players to jump into the game. NetEase Games has even tried to entice players witha crossover betweenMarvel RivalsandFortnite,along with free cosmetics.
Sasser also acknowledged that the gaming market is incredibly difficult to predict. He noted that some games seem like they will be successful and flop, while others seem like they will fail and attract huge audiences. Fortunately for Sasser and NetEase Games,Marvel Rivalsseems to have been an instant success. While some fans feel that certain heroes are overpowered and require rebalancing, many are happy with their overall experience. With so much success in such a short amount of time, the future looks bright forMarvel Rivalsand its fanbase.
Marvel Rivals
WHERE TO PLAY
Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
