EA’s FIFA Games Might Be Over, But Rematch Could Fill the Gap

In ‘93, back when video games were these chunky cartridges you’d slam into a Sega Genesis, EA and FIFA decided to give us FIFA International Soccer. And wow, it just took off—half a million copies in the first month or so. I mean, everyone thought it’d do well, right? But not like “blow your socks off” well. The first game ever with FIFA branding, and boom, EA nailed it.

FIFA International Soccer was like the first domino, you know? The start of this massive avalanche we now call the FIFA video game series. Literally turned into the sports game franchise—like, ever. Over 325 million copies sold by 2021! But then, curveball: in 2022, EA just upped and decided, “Nah, we’re done with the FIFA label.” So now, FIFA the video game series is, well, pretty much a museum piece. But hey, there’s this Rematch game by Sloclap or something, that’s kinda keeping the vibe alive.

Okay, so Rematch—one of the few, the brave, the non-EA soccer games that’s actually doing well these days. In the old Sega Genesis times, soccer games were everywhere. Now? Slim pickings. I guess Konami’s eFootball is hanging in there, even if folks aren’t too thrilled about it. But sure, Rematch is out there kicking it—literally. Made by Sloclap, the same folks who gave us Absolver and Sifu, which are all about martial arts. Fast-forward to now, they’re doing a 5v5 soccer thing—a bit wacky, right? But it works. Style’s bold and vivid, played from a third-person angle, and people love it. Hit 3 million players not long after launching. Crazy stuff.

Oh, if you’re on Xbox Game Pass, it’s there too, so, tons of people are trying it.

Here’s a wild thought—what if Sloclap brought in some FIFA-branded goodies to Rematch? Could happen. They’re already rolling out stuff like Puma gear and a skin inspired by Marc-André ter Stegen. Sure, cynics might roll their eyes at paying for extra skins, but let’s be honest, FIFA’s got that recognition factor. Especially in Europe. Maybe Sloclap adding a bit of FIFA flair could give Rematch a cherry on top kinda vibe. Probably won’t see new proper FIFA games soon, but teaming up could be the next best thing.

Who knew I’d get nostalgic about video game soccer? I suppose it’s more about the memories than the games themselves, huh? Anyway—where was I going with this? Never mind.