Should EA Sports FC be worried? Why Rematch could change the face of esports football

Rematch has announced itself as a new kind of football title, and it feels like a potential challenge for the established esports football options. But what can Sloclap’s title offer against the two key leaders in this field? And could it get to a point where Rematch disrupts their dominance?

In our feature, we look at the established environment, where Rematch can innovate in the current landscape, and what it needs to help lift off as an esports game in its own right. It’s not all good news, and there’s a long journey ahead, but Rematch’s ‘one more match’ mentality could keep it in the fight. 

With the Konami-organised eFootball League and the now-defunct FIFAe World Cup, football esports have been established since the early 2000s. However, while EA Sports FC and eFootball are both well-established in the collective consciousness, the surprise hit, Rematch, could change things for good. 

Of the two leading football titles, EA Sports FC leads the charge in player counts, viewers, and even tournament prize pools. Embedded in the likes of the ePremier League, eChampion League, eLigue, and eCoup de France, EA’s title continues to be the titan that former FIFA games created. Although behind, eFootball has strong support as well, with the eFootball Championships in both Club and World formats. 

With the FC Pro tournaments now the place to be for pro EA Sports FC players, all seems settled, and there couldn’t possibly be a future disruptor in this part of the esports ecosystem. Right…? 

For anyone who’s missed Rematch, the Sloclap-developed sports title released in June, we’ve referred to it as a sort of combination of Rocket League and Sloclap’s own 2022 beat-‘em-up title, Sifu. Rocket League is the most relevant for a sports setting, as you can engage in 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 matches in a solid-walled football arena where throw-ins, corners, and goal kicks are out, and rebounds, flowing action, and non-stop variety are in. The key is that you control one player.

It’s almost as though the soul of FIFA Street is alive and evolved…but much better (I said it). Rematch feels like a title built for the joy of the game itself, the mechanics, and the compelling, undefined skill ceiling – but without any unnecessary football filler, licensing, offsides, all that stuff that football fans (like me) usually need but gamers don’t. The potential esports impact of Rematch is clear. 

It’s surely no surprise to anyone who’s seen or played the game that there’s an initial agreement between Toornament and Sloclap about esports activity. Beyond this, (per the Radio Times), Sloclap’s CEO, Pierre Tarno, has stated:

It’s completely right that gamers and the title’s community should power the clamour for any esports ventures, but this writer believes the setup makes sense. Given the success of 5v5 titles (MOBAs, tac-shooters…), the thrill of Rocket League, and the mechanical simplicity but also nuance and variety available in Rematch, it’s easy to envision the joy of watching a live game between dedicated pro players. 

All this said, could Rematch disrupt football esports and give EA Sports FC a run for its money? I’d like to think so. In a world where Rocket League is an esports title equal to EA’s, if development is kind to Rematch, there’s a lot of potential.

We should be honest, though, because while that potential is there, Rematch does have obvious hurdles to overcome. Chief among them is the desire of the community, and whether it’s (first) viewed as an enjoyable title for the long term, and (second) an esports title worth supporting, although there are already unofficial tournaments. 

Addressing the question of popularity, as I write, Rematch has been available for just under a month, and according to Steam Charts, it’s currently just outside of the top 100 most played games on Steam, whereas EA’s FC 25 and Konami’s eFootball are a touch higher. However, these stats change often, as earlier in the week, Sloclap’s football sim was well within the top 100. 

Much of that may depend on what happens now. There’s no suggestion that Sloclap is anything but devoted to developing Rematch to its full potential. However, there is initial feedback worth noting. Perhaps the most pressing issue in early Steam reviews is the occasional concerns with netcode. 

The top review by ‘Aavael’ notes, “Awful netcode – Players are teleporting regularly, and the ball changes its mind after you thought you knocked it away. Goalkeepers also occasionally catch the ball and then still concede a goal.” So, netcode will likely be a priority. 

‘Aavael’ also highlights concerns with a ranked system where you can be matched with players of any rank. Beyond this, exploits, cheats, and a frustration with solo-hero players are issues that Sloclap will want to address where possible – although, honestly, you always get some ‘main character energy’ in team-based competitive titles. 

Steam’s review system currently has Rematch listed as ‘Mostly Positive’, though, and there have been at least eight patches since launch, listed alongside a slew of ‘known issues’ on the official PlayRematch site. So work is being done. 

Rematch has its issues as above, and these will need to be addressed by Sloclap. But I can’t help but feel there’s the acute glimmer of a true esports classic here, ready to challenge and disrupt the football esports space…assuming the community sees the title as deserving. 

The early sounds about its esports potential from those playing the game, the willingness of the developers, the fresh take on a global sport, and the Rocket League-esque replayability all feel like a potential game-changer…if things work out. Granted, it may be far too early for my optimism. But a football game without the licences, without the formality, and with free-flowing frustration and joy at its core? The elements are there.