If you have been waiting for a new football game to hit the markets, then you will be excited to learn about GOALS.
GOALS is an ambitious new game similar to UFL that is hoping to rival EA Sports FC and eFootball (formerly Pro Evolution Soccer) in the football gaming industry.
Still under wraps in the development phase, the sneak peeks and cinematic trailer released thus far promise a game that is as tantalizing as it is mysterious. Though its release date remains under wraps, the anticipation is palpable, and the indications are that it will be well worth the wait. GOALS positions itself as an AAA, free-to-play game that seeks not just to join the ranks of football gaming, but to revolutionize it.
What sets GOALS apart from other football games?
GOALS won’t be fully licensed with real clubs or players in the way EA Sports FC 24 and eFootball are, instead, it plans to stand out by offering some special features:
- Free to Play Model – By embracing a free-to-play model, GOALS opens its virtual doors wide to a broad audience, potentially enhancing its player base exponentially.
- Skill Based Gameplay – Steering clear of the hyper-realism that defines other simulators, GOALS is designed to prioritize fast-paced, fluid gameplay that relies purely on player skill, minimizing AI intervention and avoiding hidden mechanics.
- Unique Player Database – The game introduces a vast array of ‘unique DNA’ players alongside real-life players, dubbed ‘Originals’, enriching the diversity and realism of the game.
- Cross-Play Compatibility – A unifying feature of GOALS is its cross-play functionality, allowing seamless competition across different platforms, from PlayStation to PC and Xbox.
Player Generation WIP 🛠⚽️
Generate up to five players per hour, and choose which player to store on your account. Which attribute(s) do you look out for? 👀
Signup to playtest GOALS: https://t.co/ABkz018eTR pic.twitter.com/aKu7eaSVYf
— GOALS (@PlayGOALS) December 28, 2023
What Game Modes are in GOALS?
With plenty of speculation surrounding football video games nowadays, fans can’t wait to see what GOALS will have to offer in terms of games modes. Here are the game modes that we know will be included in GOALS as of now:
- Goals Go – A 5v5 showdown with a golden goal decider in case of a draw.
- 1v1 – Classic squad vs. squad battles.
- The Arena – A versatile practice mode for training your skills solo or against others.
- Free for All – Multiplayer mode designed to score as many goals as possible against other players and climb the leaderboard.
- Esports – With dedicated tournaments from launch, GOALS is set to make its mark in the competitive scene.
Ever wondered about the story behind “GO”?🤔
Our Concept Artist Ahmed explains👇
Watch the full video on YouTube 🔗https://t.co/qNJG9tlahv pic.twitter.com/72R08cA9MK
— GOALS (@PlayGOALS) July 13, 2023
Who are the Developers of GOALS?
GOALS is the brainchild of a Stockholm-based, remote-first AAA studio, founded in 2021 by ex Counter Strike World Champion Andreas Thorstensson. Alongside Thorstensson there are also co-founders Göran Syberg Falguera, Hampus Ericstam, Liza Lind and Hampus Ohlsson each bringing unique skills across various parts of game development to this exciting project.
Thorstensson has recruited more than 60 developers by 2023 who have previously worked on games like FIFA, Battlefield and Madden, including former FIFA pro player Kurt ‘Kurt0411’ Fenech among others. In order to accelerate the production of the game, Thorstensson aims to hire more developers in the coming years.
Player progression system explained by our Game Designer Kurt ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/GaztinWOI2
— GOALS (@PlayGOALS) February 27, 2023
Investments in GOALS
In April 2023, GOALS received $20 million in funding from Serie A to further its development. The amount was to be used in bringing in more developers to ensure the game is ready as soon as possible.
As of 2023, the gaming studio based in Stockholm had received $39 million in total funding. Apart from Serie A, the other investors include Cherry Ventures, Banana Capital and Not Boring Capital. Additionally, former professional footballer and founder and CEO of KOSMOS, Gerard Piqué also invested in Goals. Nicolas Julia, who is the founder of Sorare, Matthew Ball and Magdalena Kala have also backed the game that will soon be launching in the gaming market.
When is GOALS Coming Out?
Since its announcement in December 2021 and the unveiling of its first trailer six months later, the developer is yet to disclose an official release date. In January 2023, GOALS’ official twitter account announced that the game’s release window will be within “the next two years”.
GOALS is expected to launch worldwide on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S and PC platforms.
How will GOALS Impact the Gaming Community?
GOALS is the new kid on the block promising to challenge the status quo and monopoly of EA Sports FC with its player-centric approach, innovative gameplay, and commitment to fun and accessibility. As per CEO Andreas Thorstensson, the game will “give power back to the gamers”.
The free to play model and the skill based gameplay are some of the most anticipated aspects of GOALS. As the gaming community awaits its arrival, the potential for GOALS to reshape the landscape of football video games is immense.
For those eager to be part of this groundbreaking journey, playtesting sign-ups are open on the official GOALS website.
