The Rematch executive producer recently confirmed in an interview that, despite industry expectations for competitive online games, he never contemplated adopting a free-to-play sales method; instead, he prioritized developing “a top-notch game.” This arcade-style soccer game has been gaining traction since its release on June 19, with the producer discussing various features of Rematch and sharing his insights on creating a successful title.

Created by the same studio responsible for the well-received roguelike beat ’em up Sifu, Rematch offers players a dynamic soccer experience where they direct one player at a time, engaging in attacks, defenses, or goalkeeping. Uniquely, Rematch doesn’t adhere to conventional soccer rules. It avoids fouls, offsides, throw-ins, and goal kicks, opting for continuous gameplay in a contained arena. Players can dribble, aim, and shoot with a level of physicality reminiscent of Sifu. The game supports 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 matches and is playable on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Speaking to PC Gamer, producer Pierre Tarno elaborated on his decision against a free-to-play model, rejecting suggestions that such games are doomed without this pricing strategy. Tarno is aware of the prevalent idea that free-to-play is essential for the survival of online competitive games; however, the development team remained true to their vision.

Producer’s Insights

Tarno emphasized that he does not subscribe to formulas or secrets for crafting a successful game, advocating instead for creating “a good game.” He noted that while players have varying expectations and scrutinize all game mechanics, an original, robust, and fairly-priced game will gain appreciation, as evidenced by the positive reception Rematch has garnered in recent reviews.

The developer, Sloclap, aims to present players with challenges, a hallmark also seen in their previous title, Sifu. Whatever strategy Sloclap is implementing appears effective, as Rematch attracted over 1 million players within the first day on Xbox Game Pass and witnessed substantial success on Steam, with a peak of 92,841 concurrent players. The game’s popularity seems poised for continuous growth, with the developers pledging to introduce seasonal updates that will bring new modes, maps, and cosmetic items.