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Let’s be honest - we don’t know whether football is more popular than gaming. We
checked all sorts of statistical resources, but we couldn’t draw a meaningful conclusion
from it all. However, we do know one thing - football and video games don’t have to
compete when they can successfully collaborate.
Yes, we are talking about soccer-themed online games that somehow keep getting
better despite always sticking to the main subject (which is football, of course). It’s an
achievement of its own, so we decided to dedicate an article to this quite entertaining
topic.
A Brief Overview of Soccer-Oriented Gaming
The history of soccer-focused online games goes back to the late 20th century (like
most other digital games). Almost all of them had a single purpose, and that is to
replicate the strategy of the world's most popular sport. Early examples are:
- Sensible Soccer
- FIFA International Soccer
- Football slots
These and similar titles pioneered the genre through what we now know as rudimentary
graphics. As technology advanced, so did the sophistication of soccer games. For
instance, the Electronic Arts’ FIFA series quickly won over the genre thanks to the
authentic football duplicates. It’s also fair to mention virtual soccer leagues and
innovative career modes that further transformed the game.
What’s best, this influence is visible in ancillary industries like gambling since football
goes well with low-deposit casinos. This combination lets you feel what it’s like in a
traditional casino while spending only a small portion of the sum you’d need in a
physical establishment. There’s even a thing called the
dollar casino, a list of the best
online gambling websites in Canada where you can play for as little as $1. This is a
great deal for a football fan who’d like to try gambling for the first time.
Elements of Soccer-Focused Gaming
If they make games about football, then they must add some soccer elements, right?
That’s true, but some of these details often go unnoticed.
1. Live Commentary
Don’t know about you, but pro commentators who provide real-time commentary are the
essence of football – at least from our point of view. That’s why game developers
indulge users by creating follow-up commentary that sounds just like a live sports
broadcast.
What’s best, the commentary in these games goes beyond just describing the events on
the virtual field. We really appreciate how they walk the extra mile for players to provide
all kinds of insights and/or strategic overviews.
2. Interactive Features
We mentioned this one already, but let’s elaborate. Many online gaming platforms
integrate live chat features that enable players to interact with each other. This proved
to be a genuine community booster for most users. In addition, interactivity also means
you’ll get a broad scope of wagering options. You can try to predict rather specific
events:
- Goal scorers
- Yellow cards
- Corner kicks
- Many more
3. Real-Time Updates
Just like in a real soccer match, these titles provide real-time updates on the score. This
keeps players informed about the current state of the match and allows them to adjust
their strategies or bets accordingly.
To enhance the gaming experience, soccer-themed games may include real-time
statistics or even advanced analytics. This could range from possession percentages
and shot counts to in-depth player performance metrics. Having access to this data
allows players to make more informed decisions during the game.
Notable Games with Soccer Themes
We think it’s hard - if not impossible - to dispute that the FIFA Series is the top of the hill
in this niche. But what about other notable titles?
- Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) Series is definitely a strong competitor because it has consistently delivered authentic player movements
- Rocket League is truly unique because it combines soccer with rocket-powered vehicles
- Football Manager Series focuses on the management aspect of soccer, which is enticing for users who like tough decision-making
- Sensible Soccer has a retro top-down view that gives it a nostalgic feel
- Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions gives you a dose of anime experience
- New Star Soccer puts you in the shoes of a budding footballer
- Mario Strikers Series adds a whimsical twist to football
- Soccer Spirits lets you build a team, but this one only involves fantastical characters
- Super Sidekicks Series is a classic in the realm of arcade soccer games
We can probably think of dozens of other titles, but then our post would be way too long
for anyone’s taste. After all, who stops you from doing some research online?
Conclusion
Online games get along surprisingly well with soccer. Though it sometimes seems like
an odd combination, the experience taught us otherwise. So, when you find yourself in
the middle of the soccer season break, we strongly encourage you to give them a try.
You might as well end up liking them!