GOALS is an upcoming football simulator developed by the Swedish studio GOALS AB. The game promises to provide players with a unique experience, combining realistic gameplay with opportunities for esports competitions. With a free-to-play model and cross-platform support, GOALS aims to attract both casual players and professional esports athletes.
Contents:
- Development History
- Gameplay and Features
- Multiplayer and Cross-Platform Play
- Esports Potential
- Distribution Model and In-Game Purchases
- Conclusion
Development History
GOALS was announced on July 22, 2021, by Andreas Thorstensson, co-founder of the German esports organization SK Gaming. The idea for the game arose from the desire to provide an alternative to existing football simulators such as FIFA and eFootball, with a focus on responsive gameplay and esports orientation. Development is being carried out using Unreal Engine 5, ensuring high-quality graphics and performance.
In April 2022, the studio raised $15 million in a seed funding round led by the venture capital company Northzone. In April 2023, GOALS secured an additional $20 million in investments from the venture firm Seven Seven Six, founded by Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, as well as other investors, including Northzone and Moonfire.
Gameplay and Features
GOALS offers players a unique and exciting football experience, combining realism with innovative game mechanics. Key gameplay features include:
- Unique Players: Each footballer has individual characteristics and appearances, allowing for personalized team creation and strategies.
- Variety of Modes: The game features several modes, including 1v1, 5v5, and a training mode called "Arena" for practicing skills.
- Responsive Controls: The control system is designed to ensure precise execution of passes, shots, and tackles, making the gameplay intuitive and realistic.
- Artificial Intelligence: An advanced AI system helps with effective defense and creating scoring opportunities, making each match dynamic and unpredictable.
- Cross-Platform Support: GOALS is available on various platforms, including Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox, allowing players to compete regardless of the device they use.
These features make GOALS appealing to both casual players and professional esports athletes, offering a deep and engaging gaming experience.
Multiplayer and Cross-Platform Play
GOALS supports cross-platform play between Windows, PlayStation, and Xbox, allowing players from different platforms to compete against each other. Thanks to advanced network coding and dedicated servers, minimal latency and no noticeable input lag are ensured, regardless of ping.
Players can participate in 1v1 matches or team up with friends for 5v5 games, adding variety to the gameplay and encouraging teamwork.
Esports Potential
GOALS is being developed with esports competitions in mind. The game features ranked modes where users can climb into the top 500 and participate in weekly challenges in Evolution mode. Players have the opportunity to take part in official tournaments or create their own, fostering the growth of an active esports community around GOALS. With cross-platform support and responsive gameplay, GOALS aims to become a leading discipline in the esports world, providing equal opportunities for all participants regardless of platform or skill level.
Distribution Model and In-Game Purchases
The game GOALS is distributed under a free-to-play model, making it accessible to a wide audience. Players can earn in-game currency by participating in matches and use it to purchase new players, kits, cosmetic items, and stadiums. Unwanted players can be exchanged through Player Exchange Tasks (PET). Over time, players progress and can become club legends.
Although the game is free, it includes optional in-game purchases of virtual currency, which can be used to acquire in-game items, including random packs. However, all gameplay-affecting elements can be obtained without spending real money, ensuring a fair balance for all players.
Conclusion
GOALS aims to carve out a significant place among football simulators by offering unique gameplay, cross-platform capabilities, and esports potential. With a free-to-play model and attention to community feedback, the game has every chance of attracting both football fans and professional esports athletes. Combining realistic gameplay, diverse modes, and opportunities for team development makes GOALS an attractive choice for a wide audience. The game is expected to be a strong competitor to existing football simulators, offering a fresh perspective on virtual football.
