November 27 – FIFA has teamed up with Mythical Games in a significant move taking it deeper into the gaming industry with the launch a new video game ‘FIFA Rivals’, two years after its licensing deal with EA Sports formally ended.
FIFA’s video game project will arrive on screens in the summer of 2025, just in time for the new-look Club World Cup.
The game, which will be operated under a license with Mythical Games, is centred around gamers creating and managing their own football club, enhancing line-ups and competing against other players.
Though the game will be free to download, it will feature an in-game marketplace utilising the Mythos blockchain, where players can buy and trade assets to strengthen their teams using real money.
Since parting ways with Electronic Arts (EA) in 2022, FIFA has been working to solidify its foothold in gaming and esports, securing partnerships with Epic Games’ Rocket League and Football Manager developer Sports Interactive, both of which will feature in a FIFAe World Cup championship.
FIFA also recently signed an agreement with Konami to host FIFAe World Cup events centred on the eFootball video game, expanding its presence in the esports arena with EA Sports’ direct competition. Notably, there was no mention of newly-announced FIFA Rivals at the tournament.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said: “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.”
His excitement was echoes by John Linden, CEO and Founder of Mythical Games, who promised an “unparalleled football gaming experience”.
“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,” said Linden.
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1734894852labto1734894852ofdlr1734894852owedi1734894852sni@g1734894852niwe.1734894852yrrah1734894852