The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has decided to take the leap into the world of mobile video games with the announcement of FIFA Rivals, a title that promises to revolutionize the football experience on Android and iOS devices. After its break with Electronic Arts in 2022, FIFA is betting on a fresh, innovative approach adapted to market trends. With a launch scheduled for the summer of 2025, this free game will use blockchain technology to offer a unique experience that combines competition, management and a advanced digital economy.
The project is being developed by Mythical Games, a studio with experience in Web3 and blockchain games, known for titles such as NFL Rivals. This collaboration seeks to take advantage of FIFA's official licenses to create an experience in which players can enjoy mechanics such as creación y management clubs, leveling up, and real-time PvP matches.
A new approach to football video games
With FIFA Rivals, users will be able to customize and manage their own clubs from scratch. The Gameplay, arcade style, will allow confrontations between teams in a fun and competitive format. The game will be designed as free-to-play, incorporating a microtransaction system based on the blockchain Mythos from Mythical Games. This means that players will have the chance to buy and sell football stars using real money, making FIFA Rivals a benchmark within the Web3 ecosystem.
According to John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, “We are very excited to partner with FIFA and leverage our expertise to deliver an unrivalled gaming experience. This project not only provides an innovative way to connect with football fans, but also sets new standards in the esports space.”
Key Features of FIFA Rivals
- Club Management: Players will be able to build, upgrade and customize their teams while competing against other users in real time.
- Blockchain transactions: The game will allow the exchange of digital assets, such as footballers and accessories, using the Mythos blockchain.
- PvP Competition: Player battles will be governed by a fair and dynamic matchmaking system.
- Overall accessibility: Designed to be played on both Android and iOS devices, the title aims to attract an international audience.
A strategic step towards esports and the mobile market
The incorporation of elements of blockchain y NFTs positions FIFA Rivals as an innovative title within the field of sports video games. This approach not only opens up new possibilities in terms of digital economy, but also expands the range of the mobile market, a sector that has shown exponential growth in recent years.
This is not the first time that FIFA has flirted with the digital world. In the past, it had already partnered with blockchain startups to launch applications related to the management of World Cup collectibles. However, FIFA Rivals aims to take this concept to the next level, integrating it directly into the gameplay.
FIFA has also made it clear that this title will be a further step in its long-term strategy to establish itself within esports. According to Matthias Grafström, FIFA Secretary General, “We are delighted to launch this game in collaboration with Mythical Games. FIFA Rivals Not only does it showcase our commitment to innovation, it also allows fans to interact with the sport in a whole new way.”
Expectations and rumors for the future
Although FIFA Rivals This is the first major project to emerge from the new era of FIFA in video games, and rumours about a “traditional” title for consoles have not ceased. Speculation points to a possible collaboration with 2K Games, creators of successful sports franchises. Although nothing has been officially confirmed, expectations within the gaming community are high.
On the other hand, Mythical Games has already demonstrated its ability to create successful experiences. With NFL Rivals, the studio achieved more than six million downloads, reinforcing confidence in the potential of FIFA Rivals to replicate that success in the football genre.
FIFA Rivals looks set to become a benchmark not only in mobile gaming, but also in the esports and blockchain landscape. Offering a mix of innovation, accessibility and competition, this title promises to become an unforgettable experience for football and video game fans.