A new multiplayer game has almost 2 million players even before release, impressing with artistic football without annoying referees

In summer, Rematch, a football game that does not follow the strict rules of the popular sport, is released.

What kind of game is it? Rematch is a new multiplayer game that will be released on June 19, 2025, for around €25 on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.

The game combines the features of a typical football game with the gameplay mechanics of Rocket League. Consequently, you will not play with a total of 22 players on the field, but compete in 5v5 matches against other players. Each player only controls their own character.

Rematch is not a simulation, so you do not have to create realistic lineups, manage tactics, or make transfers. You start a match and immediately show who the best player on the field is and which team is better.

What makes the game special? Rematch eliminates all manager or coaching tasks that you have in other football games and focuses on the essence of the sport: what happens on the field.

Each player can take any position and dazzle opponents with skillful tricks and precise passing. You only control your own character and show what you can do.

However, success depends not only on precise shooting technique but also on good teamwork. You need to work back and defend, even going into the goal and winning the ball back with heroic tackles.

It’s also not a problem if you occasionally take down your opponent, as there is no referee who blows the whistle for every minor contact.

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Nearly 2 million players even before release

How is the game being received so far? Rematch has already conducted two beta tests before the official release on June 19, where players could get an initial impression of the gameplay.

During the second beta, which ran from May 28 to May 31, 2025, up to 159,865 players were online simultaneously on Steam (via SteamDB). Already during the first beta in April, Rematch recorded up to 118,000 players.

According to the English-language online magazine PCGamesN, around 1.9 million players reportedly set foot on the field of Rematch during the second beta.

While Rematch is already enjoying strong player numbers before the official release, a shooter has been struggling to survive for years. But the developers aren’t too bothered that hardly anyone is playing their game: “Do not need millions of players” – Shooter failed on Steam despite huge hype, but the developers remain calm