EA Sports and Konami have dominated the football gaming scene for years. But with the release of the free-to-play UFL football game, the established publishers are finally facing new competition. From in-game footage trailers to gameplay and game modes, from featured licenses to an investment from Cristiano Ronaldo himself: here's what you need to know.
For decades, the hierarchy in the world of football gaming was clear: FIFA (now rebranded as EA Sports FC) reigned supreme, thanks largely to its extensive licensing deals, while PES (recently renamed eFootball) was celebrated for its superior gameplay.
However, the landscape is about to change dramatically with the brand new title UFL. Don't know about this new football game? You've come to the right place to learn all about this potential game changer!
What Is The UFL Football Game?
UFL is an upcoming free-to-play football game with a focus on an online mode similar to EA Sports FC's Ultimate Team. A key feature is the absence of seasonal resets, positioning UFL as a formidable competitor to EA's shameless monetization strategies of recent years.
It will be released on all major consoles (Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One and Xbox Series S/X). And while they plan to implement cross-play, it probably won't be available right out of the gate. PC gamers can hope for a port, but it's uncertain if they'll get a version within the first release.
UFL Release Date And Gameplay Trailer
The publishers of Strikerz Inc. had to postpone the original release date of 2023. The latest update from the developers confirms that it will be released in 2024 – we expect a release in the fall, with the start of the new football season 2024/25 in Europe.
We already saw the first gameplay on January 27, 2022. Since then, they have been updating us with lots of insights and new videos on their YouTube channel.
The game is shaping up impressively. As a reminder, UFL will be available as a free-to-play offering. The prospect of a free alternative to EA that doesn't compromise on quality is exciting, the planned game modes and already secured partnerships add to the anticipation.
All Game Modes In UFL: Offline, Online And "FUT":
UFL will introduce a variety of game modes, including a flagship mode reminiscent of FIFA's FUT (EA FC's UT). Strikerz Inc is putting a strong emphasis on online gameplay in its debut year.
- Offline & Online 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2 and 3 vs. 3 Options (like "Kick-off" in FIFA)
- Flagship Mode (like FUT but without restarting every year)
- Special Missions & Challenges
The flagship mode allows players to build and develop their clubs and teams, acquiring players and coaches in a manner similar to FUT. UFL's standout feature, however, is the ability to carry your club's progress from season to season. We are really looking forward to a mode like this.
UFL Licenses Includes Original Clubs & Players And Ronaldo As Investor & Partner
Like EA Sports, UFL has secured agreements with FIFPro, although it will launch with a smaller roster of over 5,000 licensed professional players compared to EA FC 24's 19,000.
Significant partnerships have been formed for the UFL, with Arsenal's Oleksandr Zinchenko and Liverpool's Roberto Firmino as ambassadors of the game, alongside agreements with clubs such as West Ham United, Sporting Lisbon, Shakhtar Donetsk and Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Cristiano Ronaldo's $40 million investment in December 2023 makes him not only the face of the game, but also a significant financial backer.
While the specifics of Ultimate Football League's monetization strategy remain under wraps, there is speculation that it may follow a model similar to EA's Ultimate Team, possibly leaning toward pay-to-win. That strategy has been a financial boon for EA, suggesting that UFL may follow a similar path to profitability.
As for how UFL compares to its competitors, EA and Konami, the developers offer a cryptic hint: "UFL aims to be both different and similar to each of them at the same time."
However, players curious about the direction of the game have the opportunity to experience it firsthand by signing up as UFL playtesters.
UFL vs. FIFA vs. EA FC vs. eFootball
Predicting which football game will dominate the future and claim the top spot among football simulations is a difficult task.
EA Sports is unlikely to be surpassed any time soon. The company's continued dominance and expertise, along with a loyal player base that continues to purchase its titles year after year, solidifies EA's reigning position and secures its leadership.
However, the dissolution of the partnership between EA and FIFA opens the door for new competitors. Konami will have to work hard to maintain its "second place" status in the industry.
Meanwhile, the FIFA is venturing into the development of its own football game, although the release date (and even year) remains uncertain. This shift sets the stage for UFL to make an impact. We'll continue to monitor and report on any new developments in this evolving landscape.