FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, has joined forces with Mythical Games to launch FIFA Rivals, a web3 arcade soccer game. The free to play title, set to drop on iOS and Android devices, will include blockchain tech to provide a unique gameplay experience.
This partnership marks a huge step in FIFA’s strategy to broaden its gaming and esports portfolio, with the aim of reaching a wider audience. The partnership also underscores FIFA’s dedication to exploring digital frontiers and enhancing fan engagement.
What Is FIFA Rivals?
FIFA Rivals is not your average soccer game. Think fast-paced arcade action mixed with team management. Players will build and upgrade their squads, using their favorite football stars—both past and present—in intense PvP matchups. It’s a game designed to feel accessible to casual players while offering enough strategic depth for die-hard fans.
The game includes an in-game economy powered by the Mythos blockchain, allowing players to own, trade, and sell digital assets like player cards and team upgrades. Mythical Games has mastered the art of blending web2 and web3 gaming mechanics, ensuring compliance with Apple and Google’s app store guidelines while giving players ownership over their in-game items.
FIFA Rivals also promises a vibrant esports ecosystem. As John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, put it:
“Our goal is to replicate our success with our previous Rivals game and set new benchmarks in the web3 gaming sector. The combination of officially licensed football stars, prestigious clubs, and globally competitive esports gameplay will take sports gaming to a new level.”
Mythical Games’ Proven Track Record
Mythical Games is no stranger to the sports gaming world. Their NFL Rivals mobile game, a web3 football title, has already hit over six million downloads and earned acclaim for its integration of blockchain tech. Now, the team is applying that expertise to FIFA Rivals, a project with the potential to capture the attention of soccer fans worldwide.
The studio’s ability to bridge traditional and blockchain gaming makes it a strong partner for FIFA. Its use of the Mythos blockchain ensures a smooth user experience while providing players with true ownership of their digital assets.
Linden elaborated on the vision for the partnership, saying:
“Through this long-term partnership with FIFA, there are major plans to integrate into the FIFA esports platform to give players in every country the ability to become a participant or fan.”
FIFA’s Vision for Gaming
For FIFA, this partnership is part of a broader mission to transform how fans connect with the sport. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström noted the importance of this partnership, stating:
“We’re thrilled to partner with Mythical Games to launch FIFA Rivals, bringing football fans a mobile-first gaming experience that deepens their connection to the sport. The game is an innovative and accessible addition to our expanding gaming and esports portfolio.”
This project builds on FIFA’s strategy of using gaming as a way to engage younger audiences and expand the sport’s digital footprint. FIFA Rivals will sit alongside other games in FIFA’s portfolio but stands out as the organization’s first major foray into blockchain gaming.
What to Expect at Launch
FIFA Rivals is set to launch globally, promising smooth gameplay, dynamic PvP action, and robust team-building mechanics. The game’s marketplace will let players collect and trade digital items.
Fans can expect features like:
- Real-time PvP gameplay with an arcade twist.
- Licensed football stars from FIFA’s extensive catalog.
- In-game economies powered by the Mythos blockchain.
- Free to play experiences with optional marketplace transactions.
Players eager to join the action can follow updates from the official FIFA Rivals community on X.
By combining arcade-style soccer with blockchain tech, the game plans to ship an experience that’s both fun and forward-thinking. For FIFA and Mythical Games, this partnership is set to redefine what’s possible in mobile gaming.
