The soccer game GOALS is set to enter the closed beta test phase next year. Places are still available – an exact timeframe has yet to be announced
Progress is being made on both UFL and GOALS. While the alpha version of UFL is undergoing closed testing, GOALS is set to enter the closed beta phase next year. This was announced by Andreas Thorstensson, CEO and Creative Director, on X. Places are still available – interested parties can register for test access on the website
GOALS is set to become “the ultimate soccer game experience “
However, Thorstensson not only wrote the announcement, he also shared the developer studio’s ideas and plans at the same time. He set the bar high for the new soccer game. The aim is to create nothing less than “the ultimate soccer game experience”. The development team has a clear plan on how to achieve this: “We have developed our own netcode from scratch. This will ensure that the responsiveness of the game is in line with what players expect today. Similar to what they know from competitive shooters”.
Furthermore, the goal is to “achieve optimal ping values and seamless matchmaking. To achieve this, we have strategies for several regions and providers in mind and are developing our own game servers for further optimization”. In terms of gameplay, GOALS wants to address and correct the mistakes made by the competition. Specifically, the former Counter-Strike professional mentioned the balance between fun and the “skill gap, without compromising the authenticity of soccer”. In his opinion, this aspect was neglected in soccer games, which “reduced the fun factor over time”. As far as balance is concerned, this should also be a balance between “responsiveness and high animation”.
Partial licenses planned
As far as licenses are concerned, the developer studio wants to include “real-life players with authentic likenesses” in GOALS. How many and which players these are is not known in detail. Otherwise, the soccer simulation will be “geared towards unique players”, “both visually and statistically”. GOALS is not aiming for a “fully licensed approach”. Last but not least, Thorstensson also revealed which modes will be available. Hardcore modes “with skill-based matchmaking” as well as game modes for all skill levels and casual modes for “a more relaxed gaming experience”.
It remains to be seen whether UFL or GOALS will be the first to expand the portfolio of soccer simulations. And whether they can actually bring a breath of fresh air to the genre in the end. At least the approaches sound promising
