FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, has partnered with blockchain gaming studio Mythical Games to develop “FIFA Rivals,” a free-to-play soccer game set to launch on iOS and Android in the summer of 2025.
The game promises real-time arcade gameplay, allowing players to manage their own soccer clubs and compete against others worldwide.
Mythical Games described FIFA Rivals as an opportunity for players to “build their squad, dominate the competition, and create their legacy.”
FIFA Rivals to Copy Success of NFT Rivals
John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, expressed optimism about the game’s potential audience, citing the success of NFL Rivals, which attracted over 6 million players despite a smaller fan base.
FIFA’s massive global appeal—with an estimated 5 billion viewers tuning into the 2022 FIFA World Cup—positions FIFA Rivals to reach over 100 million gamers, according to Linden.
The game will operate on the Mythos blockchain, supported by the Polkadot network.
The integration underscores a broader trend of sports organizations collaborating with blockchain gaming platforms to create interactive experiences for fans.
Blockchain-based games offer unique features, such as enabling players to own and monetize in-game assets within a play-to-earn economy.
FIFA Rivals also builds on the success of Mythical’s earlier projects, such as “Blankos Block Party,” a social NFT-based game that transitioned to the Polkadot network and facilitates around 3 million monthly transactions.
The game’s development is supported by the Mythos Foundation, an initiative launched by Mythical Games in 2022 to onboard gamers and developers into its ecosystem.
The Mythos Foundation focuses on building cross-chain infrastructure, integrating NFT-based in-game economies, supporting gaming guilds, and expanding esports participation within the Web3 space.
It also collaborates with traditional gaming platforms to create policies that cater to the evolving needs of gamers.
Mythical Games’ ambitions have been bolstered by a $37 million Series C1 funding round in June 2023.
The funding has been instrumental in expanding the company’s marketplace and pursuing revenue-generating initiatives, including FIFA Rivals.
Sports Clubs Continue to Explore Blockchain Technology
There has been a surge in sports clubs exploring partnerships with blockchain firms.
Just recently, French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) partnered with blockchain platform Matchain to revolutionize fan engagement and enhance data security through Web3 innovations.
In August, Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami, home to star player Lionel Messi, announced a partnership with Polkadot to enhance fan engagement through blockchain applications.
Per the deal, Inter Miami’s First Team training kit will display Polkadot’s logo on all training tops.
In March, it was also reported that UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, was looking to secure sponsors from the crypto exchange sector for the upcoming 2024-2027 cycle of its prestigious men’s Champions League (UCL) club competition.
In 2021, Crypto.com spent $700 million for the naming rights to the former Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Lakers play. The venue is now officially called Crypto.com Arena.
The exchange also entered a $175 million deal to sponsor the UFC. This agreement placed the exchange’s logo on various fight gear, including shorts, top bras, and walk-out hoodies, for a decade.
Furthermore, the company has engaged in various other sports partnerships, including with the Philadelphia 76ers and Formula 1 Racing, and even featured basketball superstar LeBron James in its promotional efforts.
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