Netflix will make its biggest foray into the gaming industry to date with the debut of FIFA World Cup Launch Edition on June 11th.
Created by First Light developer Delphi Interactive and Netflix Games in collaboration with FIFA, FIFA World Cup is described as a “streamlined soccer simulation game” that requires just a Netflix connection to your TV and a mobile phone to act as a controller.
Basically, it’s meant to be much more beginner-friendly than the “FIFA” games produced through FIFA’s long-standing, now-defunct partnership with gaming publishing giant Electronic Arts.
The game will be released to coincide with the real-life FIFA Men’s World Cup kickoff on June 11, and will allow users to play as any of the tournament’s 48 teams, play in any of 16 real-world stadiums, and take control of any of the 1,248 players competing in the cup.
Netflix told Variety that the game will be updated daily throughout the World Cup, adding new challenges and features tied to the results of real-life events and tournaments.
Like Netflix’s other gaming products, this game is free with a Netflix subscription and does not include in-game purchases. The game rewards players with in-game currency based on their playing habits and completing daily challenges, which players can use to improve the stats of their team members.
“FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition is a new direction for the FIFA soccer game that celebrates the emotion and joy of sports,” Netflix said Thursday in a blog post revealing the game’s release date and trailer. “No matter how familiar you are with video games or soccer, you can play with your friends (up to 4 players) fast, smoothly and happily.”
Netflix says the game will take over every subscriber’s home screen at launch, with the widest possible marketing campaign, and users will be able to play it as soon as they scan a QR code with their mobile phone.
After this year’s World Cup concludes, the game will continue to “evolve over time” with additional plans in place for next year’s Women’s World Cup.
Limited testing of the game began in Brazil on Thursday, with a full rollout scheduled for June 11 in all regions that support Netflix’s video game features, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Austria, Australia, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, South Africa, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Watch the trailer for Netflix’s FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition below.
