Sloclap, the studio behind the beloved martial arts game Sifu, is making waves in the gaming world with its upcoming football multiplayer action title Rematch. Since its announcement in December, the game has generated considerable buzz, particularly following the launch of its open beta on Steam. On April 18, 2025, the beta saw an impressive peak of 118,739 concurrent players, according to SteamDB, showcasing a strong interest in the game.
Rematch is described as a 5v5 soccer game that allows each player to control a single character on the field, a significant departure from traditional football simulations like FIFA. This unique gameplay style has drawn comparisons to the popular game Rocket League, with many referring to Rematch as "Rocket League but with feet." Creative director Pierre Tarno expressed confidence in the game’s potential, stating, "One of the things I love about making games is that there is no secret formula or anything, but the best way—or maybe actually the only way—to make a commercial success is to just make a very good game."
The open beta period runs until April 21, 2025, and has already surpassed the number of concurrent players seen in Sloclap's previous title, Absolver, by five times. This surge in player interest suggests that Rematch could be on track for a successful launch when it officially releases on June 19, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with a price tag of $29.99.
Despite the excitement surrounding the game, players have noted some technical issues, particularly with latency and netcode. These concerns are crucial in a fast-paced game where split-second reactions are vital. One player commented on the Rematch subreddit, "Let Sloclap cook. The game is sound mechanically and just needs a little tightening in terms of hit registration and server performance which is easy to fix ultimately. They supported the hell out of Sifu, and I'm sure they'll do a lot for this game."
Rematch features several gameplay modes during its beta, including 4v4 and 5v5 quick matches, with a 3v3 mode planned for the full release. The ranked mode is currently limited to 5v5, which Sloclap believes offers the right mix of tactical possibilities and open space for players to showcase their skills.
The transition from martial arts to sports may seem unexpected for Sloclap, but the studio has successfully captured the essence of competitive gameplay. With its arcade-style approach, Rematch promises non-stop action, no fouls, and no offsides, providing players with an accessible yet deep gaming experience. The game's promotional materials emphasize that players will feel like amazing athletes, easily performing iconic football moves and collaborating seamlessly with teammates.
As the gaming community eagerly anticipates the full launch, some players have expressed concerns about the game's pricing model. While $29.99 is reasonable for a new title, the presence of free-to-play alternatives in the market raises questions about whether Rematch can attract and retain a large player base. Tarno has stated that they did not consider a free-to-play model during development, focusing instead on creating a quality product that players would be willing to pay for.
In the competitive landscape of sports games, the lack of diversity in the genre has been noted, with many wondering why there aren’t more arcade-style football games available. With the popularity of soccer worldwide, Rematch could fill a significant gap in the market, especially if it manages to deliver on its promises of engaging gameplay and smooth mechanics.
With its open beta now in full swing, players have the chance to experience Rematch firsthand and provide feedback to the developers. The success of this beta will likely play a crucial role in shaping the final product, as Sloclap aims to refine the game based on player experiences. As the beta continues, the gaming community remains hopeful that Sloclap will address the technical issues and deliver a polished game that meets the high expectations set by its predecessors.
As the countdown to the official launch on June 19, 2025, begins, Rematch stands poised to make a significant impact in the gaming world. With its unique take on football gameplay and the backing of a dedicated developer, the game could very well become a staple in the sports gaming genre. Whether it will achieve the same level of success as Rocket League remains to be seen, but the excitement surrounding Rematch suggests that it has the potential to carve out its own niche in the competitive landscape of multiplayer sports games.
