FIFA collaborates with Mythical Games to launch the free-to-play soccer game ‘FIFA Rivals’ on mobile

FIFA, the world’s governing body for soccer, has joined with blockchain gaming company Mythical Games to create “FIFA Rivals,” a free-to-play soccer game planned to premiere on iOS and Android in the summer of 2025.

The game offers real-time arcade gaming, with players managing their own soccer clubs and competing against others across the world.

Mythical Games billed FIFA Rivals as a chance for gamers to “build their squad, dominate the competition, and create their legacy.”

FIFA Rivals to Copy the Success of NFT Rivals

John Linden, CEO of Mythical Games, voiced confidence in the game’s potential audience, citing the success of NFL Rivals, which drew over 6 million players despite a modest fan base.

According to Linden, FIFA Rivals has the potential to reach over 100 million gamers due to FIFA’s enormous worldwide appeal—an estimated 5 billion viewers will watch the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The game will run on the Mythos blockchain, which is backed by the Polkadot network.

The connection is part of a larger trend in which sports organizations collaborate with blockchain gaming platforms to provide engaging experiences for fans.

Blockchain-based games include unique characteristics, such as allowing players to own and monetize in-game assets in a play-to-earn economy.

FIFA Rivals also relies on the success of Mythical’s previous ventures, such as “Blankos Block Party,” a social NFT-based game that moved to the Polkadot network and now processes over 3 million monthly transactions.

The Mythos Foundation, an effort founded by Mythical Games in 2022 to welcome gamers and developers into its ecosystem, is supporting the game’s development.

The Mythos Foundation focuses on developing cross-chain infrastructure, integrating NFT-based in-game economies, assisting gaming guilds, and increasing esports involvement in the Web3 area.

It also works with traditional gaming platforms to develop regulations that meet the increasing needs of gamers.

Mythical Games’ aims have been boosted with a $37 million Series C1 fundraising round in June 2023.

The money has helped the company extend its market share and pursue revenue-generating projects such as FIFA Rivals.

Sports Clubs Continue to explore blockchain technology

Sports clubs are increasingly seeking ties with blockchain startups.

Recently, French football club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) collaborated with blockchain platform Matchain to redefine fan engagement and improve data security using Web3 advancements.

Inter Miami, the home of Major League Soccer star Lionel Messi, announced a partnership with Polkadot in August to improve fan engagement via blockchain applications.

According to the agreement, Inter Miami’s First Team training kit will have Polkadot’s logo on all training tops.

In March, it was also reported that UEFA, the governing body of European soccer, was looking for sponsors in the cryptocurrency exchange industry for the forthcoming 2024-2027 cycle of its famous men’s Champions League (UCL) club competition.

In 2021, Crypto.com paid $700 million for the naming rights to the old Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Lakers play. The venue is currently officially known as Crypto.com Arena.

The exchange also signed a $175 million contract to promote the UFC. For ten years, the exchange’s emblem appeared on a variety of fight gear, including shorts, top bras, and walk-out hoodies.

Furthermore, the corporation has entered into a number of other sports collaborations, including those with the Philadelphia 76ers and Formula One Racing, and has even featured basketball sensation LeBron James in advertising efforts.