FIFA and Mythical Games are teaming up to introduce “FIFA Rivals,” a new free-to-play mobile soccer game powered by blockchain technology. Scheduled for release on iOS and Android in the summer of 2025, the game will enable players to build football clubs, compete in real-time matches, and utilize blockchain features to enhance their gaming experience.
Mythical Games and FIFA collaboration
The collaboration between FIFA and blockchain gaming studio Mythical Games reflects a growing trend of sports organizations partnering with Web3 developers. FIFA Rivals will follow a similar framework to Mythical Games’ NFL Rivals, which launched in April 2023. Built using Polkadot technology and the Mythos blockchain, NFL Rivals allows players to trade and collect NFT-based player cards, a model FIFA Rivals will adopt.
Players can create teams with legendary and future football stars, managing their clubs while competing in online matches. According to John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, the goal is to bring FIFA Rivals to a global audience, aiming to surpass 100 million players. For context, NFL Rivals has already garnered over 6 million players despite the NFL’s smaller international fanbase compared to FIFA.
Blockchain technology and player accessibility
FIFA Rivals will use the same Mythos blockchain as NFL Rivals, leveraging Polkadot’s capabilities to power its ecosystem. By integrating blockchain elements, the game will offer players new ways to engage, such as owning digital assets and building customized clubs.
Nate Nesbitt, a spokesperson for Mythical Games, highlighted the game’s accessibility for casual and dedicated gamers. He expressed confidence that the partnership between FIFA and Mythical Games could set a new standard in blockchain-based gaming, paving the way for future collaborations between major sports organizations and Web3 gaming studios.
FIFA’s continued presence in Web3
This isn’t FIFA’s first venture into blockchain technology and digital collectibles. FIFA partnered with blockchain startups during the Qatar World Cup in 2022 to develop games and collectible platforms. Additionally, FIFA introduced its first NFT collection in December 2023, offering fans opportunities to secure tickets to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final.
FIFA has also released digital collectibles through the FIFA Collect platform, which operates on the Algorand blockchain and Ethereum’s Polygon network. These projects underline FIFA’s ongoing efforts to engage with fans through innovative Web3 technologies. The upcoming FIFA Rivals game could further solidify FIFA’s presence in the blockchain gaming sector, combining the popularity of football with the growing appeal of blockchain-powered digital experiences.
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