FIFA and Mythical Games have announced the launch of FIFA Rivals, a free-to-play mobile football game set to debut on iOS and Android platforms in the summer of 2025. The game will provide players with the opportunity to build their football clubs, compete in real-time matches, and trade unique NFT collectables representing legendary football stars.

Mythical Games and FIFA have announced the launch of a new mobile football game, FIFA Rivals, set to release in summer 2025. The free-to-play game, designed for iOS and Android platforms, promises an engaging blend of football management, competitive gameplay, and NFT integration. The exact release date is yet to be disclosed.

FIFA Rivals will enable players to build and manage their football clubs, compete in real-time online matches, and engage with an NFT marketplace. Through this marketplace, players can collect, trade, and own digital assets representing iconic football stars from past and present eras.

The game leverages the Mythos blockchain, following the model of Mythical Games’ previous title, NFL Rivals. Released in April 2023, NFL Rivals garnered over 6 million downloads and introduced collectable and tradeable NFT player cards. FIFA Rivals will build on this success, integrating similar NFT features to attract football enthusiasts and Web3 gaming advocates.

“FIFA Rivals is designed to be highly accessible, featuring a shallow learning curve coupled with advanced features for hardcore players to explore,” said Nate Nesbitt, spokesperson for Mythical Games.

NFT integration: Pioneering innovation in gaming

The incorporation of NFTs into FIFA Rivals marks a significant step forward in FIFA's exploration of Web3 opportunities. The game’s exclusive NFT marketplace will allow fans to engage with their favourite football legends in unprecedented ways.

This move reflects FIFA’s sustained interest in blockchain and NFT-based ventures. During the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the organisation collaborated with blockchain startups to launch games and collectable apps, laying the groundwork for future Web3 initiatives.

“The partnerships we have with both the NFL and with FIFA should open the door for other collaborations between Web3 games studios and major sports titles,” Nesbitt stated, expressing optimism for further collaborations.

Timing and the NFT market landscape

The announcement of FIFA Rivals comes amid renewed enthusiasm for NFTs, despite prevailing challenges in the sector. While data from 2024 highlights that only 0.2% of NFT collections turned a profit, industry leaders like FIFA remain undeterred in their pursuit of innovation.

The NFT sector recently witnessed significant developments, such as the creation of commemorative NFTs by Base, Coinbase’s Ethereum layer-2 network, celebrating its 1 billion transaction milestone. While controversy surrounded Base’s alleged copying of artist Chris Biron’s work, it pledged to direct proceeds from the project to the artist and implement stricter oversight.

These developments underline the evolving dynamics of the NFT market, where opportunities and challenges coexist. FIFA Rivals aligns with these trends, aiming to reinvigorate interest in NFT-based gaming while providing a high-quality experience for football and gaming enthusiasts.

Expanding opportunities for sports and web3

FIFA Rivals is expected to attract a broad audience, ranging from casual gamers to dedicated Web3 enthusiasts. By combining blockchain technology with football, the game underscores the potential for major sports titles to integrate innovative technologies, bridging the gap between traditional entertainment and digital ownership.

The launch of FIFA Rivals in 2025 will not only solidify FIFA’s position in the gaming industry but also set a precedent for other sports organisations exploring blockchain-powered opportunities.

For more updates, stay tuned as Mythical Games and FIFA continue to redefine gaming with FIFA Rivals.