Published on: 26/05/2022

NFL to release play-and-own NFT video game in 2023

The NFL and NFL Players Association have confirmed a collaboration with Mythical Games, a blockchain game studio, to launch an NFT-based game called NFL Rivals.

The game itself will reportedly be released next year with a concept that brings players to embark on a journey as a team general manager and build their own player rosters, leveling up the team, improving their lineup and competing with other GMs.

NFL Rivals also offers an opportunity for players to keep, collect, and trade non-fungible tokens (NFTs) of their favorite NFL athletes through a play-and-own system.

“With the rise of blockchain technology, we are thrilled to partner with Mythical Games on a blockchain-enabled game that delivers new play-to-own NFT capabilities, creating a new adventure for fans who love to play football games,” said Joe Ruggiero, NFL Senior Vice President of Consumer Products.

“The interest in NFTs and video gaming amongst current and prospective fans continues to grow and combined have accelerated the NFL’s exploration of new gaming models that can deliver an unmatched experience to fans.”

Collaboration with Mythical Games

Mythical Games, represented by chief creator officer Jamie Jackson, expressed optimism about this partnership and hoped to expand both markets to a wider audience.

“Partnering with the NFL to drive new fan and player engagement through fresh game design and the benefits of Web3 is an exciting moment for us,” Jackson released in a statement.

“NFTs with utility can add value to players in-game, and we can’t wait to bring these concepts to NFL Rivals to evolve the team management genre by adding the advantages of play-and-own games, offering the community new ways to engage with their favorite teams and players both in and outside this virtual world.”

Prior to its release, the game will reportedly allow players to access 32 limited-quantity collections of 3D NFL-themed NFTs in a series of drops called “Rarity League.”

“NFTs are revolutionizing the fan experience, and we’re excited to collaborate with the imaginative team at Mythical Games to create a whole new blockchain-based world in which NFL players take center stage.” said Terése Whitehead of the NFLPA in a statement.

Mythical Games have taken part in many big names in gaming franchises such as World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Marvel Strike Force, and Guitar Hero. The production of NFL Rival will be another achievement to their already impressive portfolios.

NFL Rivals executive producer Billy Schautz also shared his thoughts on this collaboration with Mythical Games.

“It is the only NFL licensed NFT game. Our mission is to challenge the current status quo of NFL games. We’re all in on the fun, not just the NFT aspect,” Schautz wrote in an email to GamesBeat.

“This is an arcade-style game. Not retro as the players on the field are 3D models, but the actions and gameplay are much more arcade-style than simulation like you’d see in Madden.”

NFL Rivals will adopt blockchain technology and will be released on the Mythical Platform in early 2023.