Key Takeaways
- FIFA Rivals, developed by Mythical Games in partnership with FIFA, has revealed its first gameplay footage.
- With Web3 gaming investment and interest plummeting, studios are turning to familiar brands to attract users.
- Experts have warned against Web3 studios relying on marketing hype and inflated promises.
FIFA Rivals, an upcoming blockchain-based mobile football game from Mythical Games, has released its first gameplay footage, offering users a glimpse into what to expect from one of the most anticipated Web3 projects this year.
Developed in partnership with FIFA, the game is part of a growing trend of projects banking on well-known IPs and brands to beat Web3 gaming’s downward trend of funding and interest.
At the same time, industry experts have raised concerns about the exaggerated claims made across the Web3 gaming space, urging studios to prioritize transparency and realistic expectations.
FIFA Rivals
On May 28, FIFA Rivals posted a short trailer on its X account giving fans the first look at its gameplay.
You’ll Want To See This
The video depicted an arcade-style experience, showcasing simple mobile gameplay featuring power-ups and colorful visuals.
Players will engage in rounds lasting just one and a half minutes, described as “short bursts of strategic moments.”
The developers have promised fast-paced gameplay with short pauses for players to make “critical decisions.”
In terms of Web3 implementation, a key gameplay loop will focus on collecting player cards to build a squad.
These cards, some of which will be considered rare, can be upgraded by spending in-game currency.
The full extent of FIFA Rivals’ Web3 features has not yet been announced, but it is likely to share many similarities with Mythical’s other title, NFL Rivals.
Experts Call for Transparency
As more Web3 games enter the market, experts are urging a shift away from hype-driven marketing toward tangible, player-centric experiences.
Christian Perrins, head of strategy at Web3 gaming firm Waste Creative, emphasized that inflated claims and overexposure to big-budget projects have contributed to gamers’ growing skepticism.
According to Perrins, the issue isn’t the size of the investments being made; it’s how those investments are publicized.
Overpromising and underdelivering has led to gamer disillusionment, he said, particularly when ambitious titles fail to meet expectations.
“Gaming fans are inherently sceptical about the motives of studios leaning into Web3 technologies, so the more they read about vast budgets tied to wild promises that ultimately fail to manifest, the more their scepticism grows,” Perrins told CCN.
He added that players are quick to question the motivations of studios that aggressively promote blockchain integration without demonstrating clear value for players.
“Wiser studios have lessened their investment flag-waving in the last 12 months, preferring to hunker down on making Web3 experiences that truly deliver for players,” he added.
Michael Wagner, CEO of Web3 space MMO Star Atlas, shared the same sentiment with CCN when discussing his game’s development journey.
“We’re not hosting big events. We’re not sponsoring every conference that’s out there. We’re not spending millions of dollars on content creators and KOLs,” he told CCN.
“My emphasis on all of our budget has really been on product development,” Wagner added. “That is what builds sustainability.”
Banking on Known IPs
After years of hype and optimism, the Web3 gaming sector faces a steep decline in funding and player engagement.
According to a recent report by DappRadar, investment in blockchain gaming fell by a staggering 71% in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
The downturn has forced many studios to rethink their approach, with many turning to established intellectual properties to reignite interest and drive adoption.
FIFA Rivals, which is banking on attracting a casual audience of football fans and Web3 enthusiasts, benefits from instant global recognition through its partnership with FIFA.
Meanwhile, the announcement of a AAA Peaky Blinders Web3 game has further underscored the trend.
The popular British crime drama is joining the growing list of entertainment properties being pulled into blockchain gaming, though details on gameplay currently remain light.
Panayot Kalinov, a web developer at Performalis, believes that while banking on known IPs has potential, developers should prioritize achieving the basics.
“Games need to run well. They need to be secure. Players need to know that their assets and progress are safe. And above all, the games must be enjoyable, whether or not there’s a financial incentive attached,” he told CCN.
“If someone did not play the game without the chance to earn tokens, then the game probably wouldn’t be strong to begin with,” he added.
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