Insights and Observations from the Gaming Industry
- Thaddeus Sasser, the director of Marvel Rivals, emphasizes the lack of “unique value”in the now-defunct game Concord.
- Marvel Rivals has achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 10 million downloads, while the hero shooter Concord struggled to maintain player interest.
- Sony’s Firewalk Studios was closed shortly after the unpopular launch of Concord, highlighting challenges in the competitive gaming market.
In the ever-evolving landscape of hero shooters, Thaddeus Sasser, the creative force behind Marvel Rivals, voices his opinion on what led to the downfall of Concord. According to him, failure to bring “unique value”to the gaming market was a key factor in Concord’s struggle to attract and sustain an audience. Released in 2024, both games aimed to carve a niche in the competitive realm of hero shooters, but only Marvel Rivals has emerged as a commercial success.
Concord attempted to emulate the success of popular titles like Blizzard’s Overwatch by introducing a roster of original characters. Despite the potential for innovative gameplay and engaging narratives, the game failed to establish a loyal player base. Following its lackluster reception, Sony announced the closure of Firewalk Studios, a significant move that left many in the gaming community pondering the underlying issues. Some fans speculate that the decision to charge for Concord rather than adopting a free-to-play model played a crucial role in its downfall, while others point to inadequate marketing efforts.
In a candid discussion on the VideoGamer podcast, Sasser elaborated on his perspective regarding the challenges associated with entering the hero shooter market. He highlighted the concept of “switching costs,”where players remain loyal to existing games due to their investment in characters and in-game content. His words reflect a sentiment familiar to many gamers: “I’ve already invested in Overwatch; I’ve got 15 skins for Pharah, I’m not going anywhere.”Unlike Concord, Marvel Rivals leverages the immense popularity of its characters, thanks to the extensive Marvel franchise, making it easier to foster an enthusiastic fan base.
Sasser Questions the “Unique Value”Proposition of Concord
Excitement struck Sasser upon hearing the concept for Marvel Rivals. “When I heard the idea, I thought, ‘Oh my God, I want to be Storm’ or ‘I want to be Doctor Strange,’”he shared. The game offers players the chance to step into the shoes of a diverse array of beloved heroes and villains. With 33 unique characters and a free-to-play model, the accessibility of Marvel Rivals makes it appealing to a broad audience. Additionally, collaboration with NetEase Games has yielded enticing offers, such as crossovers with Fortnite and free cosmetic items, further enhancing player engagement.
Sasser acknowledges the unpredictability of the gaming market, where titles often defy expectations—some anticipated successes unexpectedly flop, while underdog games garner immense popularity. Fortunately for Sasser and NetEase Games, Marvel Rivals has quickly captured the interest of the gaming community. As with any game, there are discussions around character balance; some players feel certain heroes are overpowered, suggesting the need for rebalancing. However, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive, leading to a promising outlook for both Marvel Rivals and its expanding player community.
Leave a Reply