Rematch Devs on Creating an Immersive Soccer Experience

Subtitle: The developers of Rematch share insights into how they crafted an immersive soccer experience that blends realism, strategy, and player engagement.

In a genre dominated by the EA Sports FC series, indie developer Sloclap aims to carve out its own niche with Rematch, a fast-paced 5v5 soccer game that emphasizes teamwork and tactical play. This new approach sets it apart from traditional soccer games, focusing on immersion through a unique camera angle centered behind the player. This feature, as opposed to the conventional top-down view, helps players feel like they're on the field and more engaged in the action.

Game Rant recently sat down with Rematch's Creative Director, Pierre Tarno, to dive deeper into the game's development. Tarno discussed the team's vision for the project, the importance of teamwork, and how Rematch draws on principles from Sloclap’s previous titles like Sifu and Absolver.

Immersion Is Crucial for Rematch's Success

Fans of Sloclap's past games will recognize the developer's commitment to immersion. Both Absolver and Sifu focused on fluid combat, relying on precise control and offering a high skill ceiling. While it might seem like a stretch for Sloclap to jump from martial arts to soccer, Tarno explained that there are notable similarities between the two. He shared:

"There are similarities. These are all games about bodies in movement, with a focus on precise and reactive control of the character. It’s not so much that we wanted to move away from combat, but rather that we were driven by a creative desire to explore the beauty of football. We wanted to create an innovative experience that lets players feel the excitement of making the perfect pass or executing a beautiful volley kick, all from an immersive perspective. It just felt like a natural evolution for us."

Teamwork Is at the Core of Rematch

While many traditional soccer games focus on individual skill or 1v1 mechanics, Rematch flips the script by prioritizing team-based gameplay. Tarno explains that this focus on tactical cooperation and teamwork will offer a more unique and dynamic experience compared to the top-down approach most soccer games use. He emphasized:

"Most football games focus on solo or 1v1 experiences, while we wanted to focus on team-based mechanics, tactical cooperation within a team. Also, other football games are viewed top-down, they lack a real sense of immersion on the pitch. Finally, by keeping the gameplay accessible and giving it an arcade feel, we want to deliver an experience that’s, above all, fun and satisfying to play!"

The team aims to make Rematch enjoyable for both casual players and competitive gamers, offering a broad appeal and potential for a deep, rewarding experience.

A New Take on Soccer Gaming

Sloclap’s striking art style, first showcased in Sifu, makes its way into Rematch as well, tying the two games together and giving them a signature visual identity. The focus on team tactics, immersion, and fun gameplay aims to make Rematch an exciting alternative to the more traditional soccer games on the market.

Scheduled for release in Summer 2025 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S, Rematch promises to offer a fresh, immersive soccer experience for players who want something different. Players can sign up for the beta and be among the first to try out the unique gameplay when it drops.