FIFA has confirmed a collaboration with US based gaming company, Mythical Games, to develop a new officially licensed mobile game – “FIFA Rivals“.
Aiming for release in 2025, FIFA Rivals will be available on IOS and Android.
The game marks a significant move in FIFA’s continual quest to expand and diversify its gaming and esports portfolio. Neglecting simulation-based gameplay in favour of fast paced arcade gameplay, FIFA Rivals is a departure from previous FIFA licensed games.
As an organisation with experience in mobile gaming, Mythical Games already operates a Rivals game in partnership with the NFL, with over five million downloads. The US company will now seek to grow its market in the footballing world.
Their latest offering, FIFA Rivals, will enable gamers to create, manage and develop their own in game football club. Players will also be able to create their own line-ups and enhance them via levelling up, to then play against other players.
FIFA Rivals will be a free to play game but will feature extensive in game microtransactions.
Operating off of the Mythos blockchain model, the game will include in-game and web marketplaces for players to buy, sell, trade and own in game versions of real-life football players.
FIFA Secretary, General Mattias Grafström spoke of the opportunities FIFA Rivals presented.
“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,” he said in a press release.
“The game is an innovative and accessible addition to our expanding gaming and esports portfolio.”
CEO and Founder of Mythical Games, John Linden outlined the goals of the collaboration.
“We’re excited to partner with FIFA and leverage our expertise to create an unparalleled football gaming experience,” he said via press release.
“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 (past and present), prestigious clubs from around the world and globally competitive esports gameplay will take sports gameplay to a new level.
“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 Rivals will launch worldwide in 2025, game updates are confirmed via FIFA Rivals‘ X account.