FIFA has unveiled its long-awaited soccer simulation in partnership with Netflix via a reveal trailer. However, fan enthusiasm remains muted just before the release.
Higher, faster, further—or even the biggest, best, and most impressive: Gianni Infantino rarely settles for a comparative, preferring instead to reach for the superlative. This isn’t just how the FIFA boss evaluates real-world sporting events. When it comes to the world soccer federation’s gaming efforts, the Swiss executive has always been anything but reserved.
Expectations were correspondingly high when the first trailer for FIFA’s long-awaited World Cup game, developed in collaboration with Netflix, was released on Thursday evening: FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition. Between the two mobile spin-offs, FIFA Rivals and FIFA Heroes, the simulation from developer Delphi Interactive appeared to be the highest-quality product. After all, the studio behind it had most recently contributed to the successful blockbuster 007 First Light.
Mediocre visuals and mobile controllers
However, none of that is visible in the reveal trailer. Graphically, the Zurich-based team is once again relying on a comic-book style reminiscent of visually appealing mobile games or adaptations for handhelds. At first glance, the realism is limited—which makes sense. After all, the game is intended to fit into the Netflix Games portfolio, which is available for free to all subscribers of the streaming service and is therefore primarily played on smart TVs or mobile phones.
A smartphone actually plays an important role in the trailer for FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition as well. However, not as the main hardware for the game, but as a peripheral. During a match on a smart TV, mobile devices function as controllers.
“Fans can start the game on a smart TV, scan the QR code with their smartphone, and within seconds be shooting and passing by swiping,” the World Football Association states. Even those who have never held a video game in their hands can feel the thrill of scoring the winning goal,” the world governing body states. Up to four players are said to be able to immerse themselves in the game together.
Gameplay not apparent
As for gameplay, however, there is little to be gleaned from the video clip and the accompanying press release. While tricks are shown and the narrator says that players can play “fast” and “hard,” However, the trailer doesn’t provide any great impressions of this. The same applies to the hinted-at tactical finesse. EA SPORTS, Netflix, and Delphi owe us more than just the buzzwords “counter-pressing” and “Joga Bonito.”
Leaks are sobering
Meanwhile, the first gameplay clips are already circulating on social media, primarily highlighting the underwhelming visuals. Even as they run onto the field, the players’ legs bend forward due to the stiff socks. During gameplay, players kick through balls that only start moving once they appear to be behind the foot. These first glimpses don’t look very polished.
This is compounded by a few minor bugs. In one scene, for example, a virtual player passes the ball completely opposite to the direction indicated by the game. In another moment, a defender is frozen in front of a goalkeeper, whose clearance he nearly blocks into his own net.
However, these clips should be taken with a grain of salt. While they look authentic and likely come from a version of the game, they could be from a beta or other early build that developer Delphi has since had time to tweak. The final version won’t be released until June 11, just in time for the World Cup.
Graphics Meet with Little Enthusiasm
Nevertheless, the trailer and match scenes on X are already drawing criticism. “Is this coming out on the PlayStation 5 or is it just for the PlayStation 2?” asks user ‘tiddy88’ sarcastically under a gameplay clip. “This crap looks like garbage,” comments ‘wills_1020’ under the official trailer on the Netflix account—accompanied by an image of a pixelated Rubeus Hagrid from old Harry Potter games.
In the eyes of fans, the game thus seems far removed from the “optimized soccer simulation experience” that FIFA itself aims to deliver. However, according to the world governing body, this is not meant to stay that way. FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition is described as “a first version” of the game that focuses on “immediate gameplay enjoyment and easy access.” “Future updates to the FIFA World Cup title are expected to offer additional depth and new features.”
