Rematch Reaches 3 Million Xbox Players

Rematch, the new action football game from Sloclap, has made a strong debut. Released on Xbox and available on Game Pass from day one, the game has already attracted over 3 million players. Before its official launch, it also set a new record by filling every slot in its Xbox Insider beta faster than any previous title on the platform. The response reflects a clear demand for a fresh approach to football in video games.

Rematch Reaches 3 Million Xbox Players

A Different Take on Football

Unlike traditional football simulations, Rematch offers a smaller-scale, more personal experience. Players compete in teams of three, four, or five and control a single character throughout each match. This focus on individual control shifts the gameplay dynamic, putting more emphasis on positioning, timing, and collaboration with teammates.

The game keeps the core rules of football intact but introduces mechanics drawn from Sloclap’s background in action games like Absolver and Sifu. Key actions such as passing, dribbling, shooting, and goalkeeping each have their own learning curve, rewarding players who take the time to master them. Each match is played on a pitch surrounded by walls, allowing players to use rebounds and other creative plays, adding another layer of strategy to every moment.

Rematch Reaches 3 Million Xbox Players

Building Momentum Through Game Pass

One major factor behind Rematch's early success is its presence on Xbox Game Pass. According to Creative Director Pierre Tarno, accessibility played a crucial role in building an active community right away. Game Pass gave players immediate access to the game, helping it find a wide audience quickly.

Tarno said the team was surprised and encouraged by the scale of the launch, noting that the early numbers confirmed there was a real interest in a more fast-paced, team-focused version of football. This initial surge of players gave the developers a solid base to start building from.

Rematch Reaches 3 Million Xbox Players

Responding to Feedback and Fixing Issues

As a live game, Rematch is in active development and continues to evolve based on community feedback. Since launch, the team has released several hotfixes to address issues ranging from stability to gameplay exploits. One fix corrected a bug that allowed players to unintentionally fly during matches.

For now, Sloclap is focused on making the game as stable and consistent as possible. Improving online performance, reducing lag, and addressing sync issues are the top priorities. Once these areas are improved, the team plans to shift its focus toward adding new content and expanding features.

Rematch Reaches 3 Million Xbox Players

What Season 0 Represents

When players open Rematch, they’ll see “Season 0” on the main menu. This isn’t just a label but a message from the developers that the current version of the game is just the starting point. Sloclap has plans to grow the game over time and sees this early stage as a foundation for what’s to come.

Future updates are already in development. One of the most requested features, cross-platform play, is at the top of the list. Tarno confirmed that it’s a major priority and that more details will be shared soon. Other improvements in the works include squad spectating, better team rejoining options, and more ways for players to stay connected with others they’ve teamed up with in previous matches.

In addition to these social features, Sloclap is working on gameplay updates that will introduce both competitive and casual content. This includes tournament systems, ranked leaderboards, club creation tools, quick-play options, and AI-controlled bots. Temporary game modes are also being developed, with the possibility of some becoming permanent depending on community interest.

Rematch Reaches 3 Million Xbox Players

A Long-Term Vision for Growth

Rematch sets itself apart by avoiding the usual formulas found in football video games. There are no player stats or upgrades - every outcome is based on skill and teamwork. The third-person viewpoint and the focus on individual control offer a different kind of immersion, one that puts the player directly in the action rather than managing it from a distance.

Sloclap didn’t set out to compete directly with existing football franchises. Instead, the team aimed to create something that feels new and reflects their background in action game design. According to Tarno, being an independent studio gave them the freedom to take creative risks and explore new ideas.

Rematch Reaches 3 Million Xbox Players

Final Thoughts

The early success of Rematch shows that there is space for innovation in football gaming. As the game grows beyond Season 0, Sloclap plans to continue refining the experience, adding depth, and responding to how the community plays and engages. The goal is not just to maintain what they’ve built but to expand it thoughtfully over time.

Rematch is still in its early stages, but with a solid foundation and a clear direction, it’s well positioned to keep evolving. For players looking for a new kind of football game - one that rewards quick thinking, skill, and team coordination - Rematch offers something different with room to grow.