In an exciting collaboration, FIFA and blockchain gaming studio Mythical Games are set to redefine soccer gaming with FIFA Rivals, a free-to-play mobile game launching in the summer of 2025 for iOS and Android users.

This innovative title will allow players to build, manage, and compete with their own soccer clubs in real-time arcade gameplay. “Assemble your dream team, dominate the competition, and cement your legacy,” Mythical Games announced, targeting sports enthusiasts globally.

Massive Potential for Web3 Gaming

John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, predicts that FIFA Rivals could introduce over 100 million gamers to Web3. With the success of Mythical’s previous title, NFL Rivals, which garnered over 6 million players from a smaller audience, the prospects for FIFA Rivals are even brighter. To put it in context, while approximately 500 million viewers tuned into the NFL playoffs, a staggering 5 billion people watched the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

Powered by the Mythos blockchain, secured on the Polkadot network, FIFA Rivals aims to deliver a seamless and secure gaming experience. Players will enjoy the added advantage of blockchain technology, which facilitates the ownership and monetization of in-game assets through play-to-earn mechanisms.

A Growing Trend in Blockchain and Sports

This collaboration reflects a broader trend where sporting organizations team up with blockchain studios to deliver interactive fan experiences. Blockchain gaming allows users to own in-game assets — like NFTs — and trade or monetize them, fostering a dynamic play-to-earn ecosystem.

Mythical Games has a proven track record with Blankos Block Party, an NFT-based social creation game now operating on Polkadot, which generates around 3 million monthly transactions.

Driving Innovation with the Mythos Foundation

The development of FIFA Rivals has been supported by the Mythos Foundation, established by Mythical Games in October 2022. The foundation focuses on:

• Building cross-chain infrastructure.
• Supporting NFT-driven in-game economies.
• Encouraging traditional esports to embrace Web3.
• Partnering with conventional gaming platforms to shape gamer-focused policies.

This initiative not only enhances player engagement but also ensures a seamless integration of blockchain technology into mainstream gaming.

Backed by Strategic Funding

In June 2023, Mythical Games secured $37 million in Series C1 funding. This investment has been instrumental in expanding the company’s marketplace and driving revenue initiatives, including FIFA Rivals.

As blockchain technology continues to gain momentum, FIFA Rivals is set to become a landmark title, merging the global passion for soccer with the dynamic possibilities of Web3 gaming.