Rematch, the latest competitive soccer game from Sloclap, the developers behind the acclaimed title Sifu, has made a splash in the gaming community by attracting over 1 million players within its first 24 hours of release. This impressive figure includes both purchases and those accessing the game through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
The announcement comes as Sloclap shared the milestone on social media platform X, expressing gratitude and a commitment to ongoing improvements. The game’s immediate popularity is evidenced by public player count data, which suggests the achievement was anticipated by industry watchers.
“One million unique players in 24 hours. Seeing so many of you jump into Rematch on day one is incredible. The whole team is super grateful! And already hard at work on fixing and improving the game. We are just getting started.” — Rematch (@PlayRematch) June 20, 2025
Strong Launch Amidst Competitive Landscape
According to SteamDB, Rematch saw 92,841 concurrent players on Steam alone on June 19, showcasing a robust start for the new multiplayer game. At the time of writing, over 54,000 players are engaged with the game on Steam. In comparison, Remedy Entertainment’s co-op shooter FBC: Firebreak peaked at just 1,992 concurrent players, highlighting Rematch’s significant traction.
The confirmation of the 1 million player count provides a clearer picture of the game’s reach across platforms like Steam, Game Pass, and PS5. Player feedback has been largely positive, with Rematch holding a “Mostly Positive” rating on Steam from over 7,000 user reviews and a Metacritic score of 76.
Innovative Gameplay and Global Appeal
Rematch distinguishes itself in the multiplayer gaming arena with its 5v5 competitive soccer format, which eschews the simulation style of EA Sports FC for an arcade-inspired experience. Sloclap’s expertise in animation, honed through Sifu, is evident in the game’s dynamic visuals, making it both engaging to play and watch.
The game’s success is partly attributed to the global popularity of soccer, coupled with its fresh take on the genre. By offering a unique blend of accessibility and excitement, Rematch appeals to a broad audience, further cementing its position in the market.
Future Prospects and Industry Impact
Rematch is currently available for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, and is part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate catalog, though it can also be purchased for $30. The game’s early success sets a promising precedent for Sloclap’s future projects and may influence the development of similar titles in the industry.
Looking ahead, the key to sustaining Rematch’s momentum will be Sloclap’s ability to maintain player interest through regular updates and community engagement. The developers’ proactive stance on improvements and feedback suggests a commitment to nurturing the game’s ecosystem.
As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, Rematch’s launch serves as a reminder of the potential for innovative concepts to capture the imagination of players worldwide. The game’s trajectory will be closely watched by both fans and competitors, eager to see how this new entry shapes the future of multiplayer sports gaming.
