FIFA is betting big on ‘FIFA Rivals,’ a free-to-play mobile game challenging EA’s dominance. After splitting with EA Sports, FIFA aims to conquer mobile gaming with a unique superhero concept.
FIFA has launched a brand-new mobile game, “FIFA Rivals,” transforming soccer icons like Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Mbappé into superheroes with spectacular moves. Eschewing the realism that defined its former saga for years, this title embraces a vibrant, cartoon-style visual experience. Players boast exaggerated torsos, elongated legs, and special powers – leaving fiery trails or bursts of light when they touch the ball.
The game’s development is spearheaded by Bacon Games, a Colombian studio based in Bogotá, in partnership with the American company Mythical Games.
Blending two worlds: Reality and comic-book flair
Juan Duque, one of the game’s animators, states that the core idea was to blend the best of both worlds: real-life players and tournaments with acrobatic feats reminiscent of comic books or action movies. This new venture follows the 2022 split between FIFA and EA Sports, ending a historic agreement. For nearly three decades, their alliance dominated the market with the FIFA franchise, selling over 235 million copies and generating at least $20 billion.
After the partnership dissolved, EA rebranded its game as “EA Sports FC,” maintaining its focus on realism. FIFA, however, opted to create a completely new, dynamic product from scratch, free to download and geared towards mobile devices.
Release date Set for FIFA Rivals
“FIFA Rivals” is slated for release in the days leading up to the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 14th in the United States. While the game will be free to download, it will feature in-app purchase options for acquiring characters with special abilities. The goal is to attract a new generation of users, especially young people who primarily game on their smartphones.
A departure from visual norms
In addition to offering action-packed matches, the game breaks away from traditional visual codes. Rather than faithfully replicating the stars, the creative team exaggerated their physical traits to give them a unique artistic flair.
Andrés Hernández, a 3D artist at Bacon Games, explains that they sought a more abstract than realistic representation. Players like Cristiano Ronaldo sport a prominent chest, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic has even more pronounced features.
FIFA’s big bet
FIFA is making a significant investment in “FIFA Rivals,” convinced that this formula can win over millions of new players worldwide. By offering a free-to-play experience with over-the-top superhero soccer action, FIFA aims to capture the mobile gaming market and establish a new, distinct brand in the soccer gaming world.
Key features of FIFA Rivals:
- Superhero-Style Gameplay: Experience soccer with extraordinary abilities and moves.
- Cartoon-Inspired Visuals: A vibrant and stylized art style that sets it apart from realistic simulations.
- Real Players, Exaggerated: Recognizable stars with unique physical traits and appearances.
- Free-to-Play Access: Download and play without an upfront cost.
- Mobile-First Design: Optimized for gaming on smartphones and tablets.
- Strategic Team Building: Collect and upgrade players to create the ultimate team of soccer superheroes.
- Competitive Modes: Challenge friends and players worldwide in various game modes.
Will it score?
The success of “FIFA Rivals” will depend on its ability to deliver a compelling and engaging gameplay experience that appeals to both casual and hardcore soccer fans. With its unique superhero concept and mobile-first design, FIFA is hoping to tap into a vast audience and establish a lasting presence in the competitive world of mobile gaming. Only time will tell if this new venture will prove to be a winning formula.
