Pierre Tarno, the director at Sloclap, the studio famous for Sifu, has clarified that their new multiplayer football game Rematch was never intended to launch as a free-to-play title. In a gaming world where many competitive online games are offered for free, this decision might seem unusual—but Tarno believes the game’s quality, innovation, and pricing will justify the cost.
Why Rematch Won’t Be Free: A Creative Choice, Not a Business Move
In an exclusive interview with PCGamer, as reported by GamingBolt, Tarno explained the philosophy behind the $30 price tag:
“I never even considered making it free-to-play. There’s no secret formula to making a hit game. The best—or maybe the only—way to succeed is simply to make a truly great game.”
This mindset is in direct contrast with the current trend of free-to-play monetization models. Tarno suggests that offering a solid, paid product is not only viable, but more respectful toward the audience.
Respect for Gamers: A Sloclap Principle
Tarno went on to describe the studio’s internal values, highlighting how Sloclap views its players:
“A major part of our culture at Sloclap is respecting players—respecting their intelligence and their skill. We enjoy building challenging gameplay, and our community tends to be analytical, observant, and very capable of recognizing the balance, mechanics, and overall design of a game.”
This shows that Rematch isn’t just aiming for mass appeal—it’s designed with competitive and thoughtful players in mind.
Why Innovation and Depth Justify a Price Tag
Addressing concerns about launching a paid online game in a free-to-play era, Tarno added:
“Even if some players think, ‘Oh, this is a competitive online game, it should be free or it won’t make it,’ I don’t believe that. If you create something original, well-balanced, and worth its price, players will appreciate and support it.”
He argues that creativity and authenticity are stronger foundations for success than merely following market trends.
What Is Rematch? A Fresh Take on Online Football
Rematch was first introduced at The Game Awards 2024 with an exciting trailer that caught the attention of both sports fans and action gamers. Unlike traditional sports titles, Rematch blends third-person action with competitive team play. Each user controls a single football player on the field, promising intense, skill-driven gameplay rather than arcade-style chaos.
Sloclap is aiming to deliver something fresh and energetic—a blend of strategy, timing, and player mastery, similar to what made Sifu such a cult hit.
Release Date and Platforms
Earlier this month, Sloclap officially announced that Rematch will be released on:
- June 19, 2025 (29 Khordad 1404)
- For PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S
This multiplatform launch shows that Sloclap is aiming for wide accessibility, even though the game itself remains premium, not free.
Final Thoughts: Will Rematch Redefine Paid Online Games?
With most competitive online games going free-to-play, Rematch takes a bold step in the opposite direction. But with Sloclap’s track record and their deep respect for gamer intelligence and skill, this $30 title might carve out its own niche—rewarding quality over quantity, and offering something unique in a crowded market.
