FIFA, the world’s governing body for soccer, is joining forces with blockchain gaming pioneer Mythical Games to launch FIFA Rivals. This blockchain-powered, free-to-play soccer game is set to hit iOS and Android platforms in the summer of 2025. Beyond just gaming, this collaboration marks FIFA’s bold entry into Web3, aiming to transform fan engagement and the future of digital sports entertainment.
Gameplay: Build, Compete, and Dominate
In FIFA Rivals, players will step into the role of soccer club managers, crafting custom squads and competing in real-time arcade matches. Mythical Games describes the experience as a journey to “build your squad, dominate the competition, and create your legacy.” With its emphasis on real-time action and global competition, the game aligns seamlessly with FIFA’s mission of fostering worldwide sportsmanship and engagement.
Expanding Web3 Horizons
John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, envisions FIFA Rivals as a gateway for millions into blockchain gaming. Drawing from the success of NFL Rivals—which boasts over 6 million players—Linden predicts that FIFA Rivals could surpass 100 million players.
FIFA’s unparalleled global influence underscores this ambition. In 2022, the FIFA World Cup captivated 5 billion viewers, dwarfing the 500 million who tuned into the NFL playoffs. This massive audience provides a unique opportunity for FIFA Rivals to redefine soccer fandom through immersive, blockchain-driven experiences.
The Role of Blockchain in FIFA Rivals
Powered by Mythical’s Mythos blockchain and secured on Polkadot, FIFA Rivals will offer players a secure, scalable gaming experience. Blockchain integration introduces a revolutionary aspect: true ownership of in-game assets. From player cards to customizable clubs, these assets can operate within a play-to-earn ecosystem, enabling users to monetize their efforts.
This shift from traditional “pay-to-play” models to a decentralized, rewarding economy exemplifies the disruptive potential of blockchain in gaming. Players can transform their gameplay into tangible returns, fostering deeper engagement and new economic opportunities.
Mythical Games: Pioneering Blockchain Gaming
The creation of FIFA Rivals builds on Mythical Games’ blockchain expertise. The company’s earlier successes include Blankos Block Party, an NFT-driven build-and-play game now thriving on Polkadot, processing 3 million monthly transactions.
The Mythos Foundation, established by Mythical Games in 2022, played a pivotal role in developing FIFA Rivals. The foundation promotes cross-chain infrastructure, NFT-based economies, and collaboration with esports teams and gaming guilds. This innovative approach bridges traditional gaming with the advancing opportunities of Web3.
Financial Backing Fuels FIFA Rivals
Mythical Games’ ambitions for FIFA Rivals are supported by robust funding. In 2023, the company secured $37 million in Series C1 funding, enabling expansion of its Mythos marketplace and the pursuit of innovative ventures. Such financial backing reflects the broader potential of blockchain gaming to evolve into a lucrative entertainment and economic ecosystem.
Redefining Soccer Gaming
The FIFA-Mythical Games partnership represents a transformative moment in gaming and sports. By combining FIFA’s global influence with Mythical’s blockchain expertise, FIFA Rivals promises to reshape how fans connect with soccer. From real-time competitive gameplay to monetizable economies, the game aims to empower players while setting a new benchmark for interactive entertainment.
