David Edwards
The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has partnered with blockchain gaming studio Mythical Games to debut FIFA Rivals, a free-to-play soccer game set for release in summer 2025. Designed for both iOS and Android platforms, FIFA Rivals promises a real-time arcade experience where players can manage soccer clubs, build squads, and compete against others while crafting their legacy.
“Build your squad, dominate the competition, and create your legacy in the newest title,” Mythical Games pitched to sports enthusiasts.
Aiming for Global Reach
John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, projects that FIFA Rivals could exceed 100 million players. The confidence stems from the studio’s previous success with NFL Rivals, which attracted over six million players despite its narrower target audience.
The numbers suggest a vast potential market for FIFA Rivals. Approximately 5 billion viewers tuned into the FIFA World Cup in 2022, compared to the 500 million who watched the NFL playoffs.
Blockchain at the Core
FIFA Rivals will operate on the Mythos blockchain, supported by the Polkadot network, integrating a play-to-earn model where users can own and monetize in-game assets. This approach aligns with a growing trend of sports organizations leveraging blockchain technology to enhance fan engagement and offer interactive experiences.
Mythical Games’ earlier success with Blankos Block Party, a blockchain-based social NFT game, underscores the studio’s expertise. Now running on Polkadot, Blankos Block Party processes approximately 3 million monthly transactions.
Driving Innovation with the Mythos Foundation
The launch of FIFA Rivals is facilitated by the Mythos Foundation, established by Mythical Games in October 2022. The foundation focuses on building cross-chain infrastructure, developing NFT economies, supporting gaming guilds, and enhancing traditional esports with Web3 integrations.
This initiative follows Mythical’s $37 million Series C1 funding round in June 2023, which bolstered its marketplace and expanded revenue streams.
Transforming Gaming Through Blockchain
The FIFA-Mythical collaboration underscores a broader movement of blockchain adoption in gaming. This trend not only empowers players with asset ownership but also establishes innovative revenue models through play-to-earn ecosystems.
As FIFA Rivals prepares to launch, it stands as a testament to how blockchain technology is reshaping the gaming and sports industries.
