Rematch Game's Unexpected Success: How Internal Tournaments Revealed Its True Appeal

Discovering the Core Appeal: Beyond the Pitch

The Unforeseen Rise of a Soccer Title

Rematch, a recent release from Sloclap, the creators behind martial arts action games like Absolver and Sifu, has made an unexpected splash in the gaming world. This multiplayer soccer game has garnered significant traction, currently boasting over 37,000 active players on Steam, proving its substantial appeal.

Competitive Gaming Community Propels Rematch's Success

According to Pierre Tarno, CEO of Sloclap, the burgeoning player base of Rematch isn't primarily composed of dedicated football aficionados. Instead, data indicates that the game's core demographic comprises individuals who are drawn to competitive online games, regardless of their interest in traditional soccer.

Internal Tournaments: A Revelation for Developers

This surprising disinterest in football extends even to the development team. Many members of the Sloclap studio were not initially passionate about soccer. However, Tarno recounts how internal playtesting and tournaments transformed their perception. Through engaging in these competitive sessions, developers who were previously unenthusiastic about the sport came to understand the game's inherent appeal, citing its dynamic and team-oriented mechanics as key factors. This personal discovery underscored the game's broader attraction beyond just soccer enthusiasts.

Bridging the Gap Between Sports and Gaming

Rematch doesn't strive for a hyper-realistic soccer simulation. Instead, it aims to capture the essence of the sport—teamwork, strategic thinking, and coordinated play—within a fluid and engaging digital environment. This design philosophy gives it an immediate familiarity for sports fans while remaining highly accessible and enjoyable for a wider gaming audience.

Expanding Reach: Tapping into New Audiences

While the game has successfully captivated the competitive gaming crowd, Tarno anticipates that a more traditional sports-focused audience will eventually join. He acknowledges that reaching these players, who may be less immersed in the broader gaming landscape and primarily stick to annual sports titles like FIFA, will require sustained communication and ongoing game updates, relying heavily on word-of-mouth spread as they are less likely to follow gaming news outlets.

Team Play Challenges in a Competitive Landscape

Despite Rematch's overall success, the integration of traditional sports concepts, particularly teamwork, sometimes presents challenges for players accustomed to different competitive gaming structures. Some within the community are still adapting to the nuances of coordinated play, occasionally expressing frustration with self-centered playstyles, underscoring the ongoing journey of cultivating a harmonious team-based environment.