Who would’ve guessed that one of the biggest surprises of the year would be a stylised soccer game from the creators of Sifu? Sloclap’s Rematch, a unique take on the beautiful game, has done just that, joining Xbox Game Pass as a day-one title and quickly dribbling its way into the hearts (and consoles) of over three million Xbox players.
This milestone, recently shared via Xbox Wire, marks a remarkable start for a game that faced plenty of skepticism leading up to launch. From a kung fu brawler to a skill-heavy soccer battler, it was hard to envision how Sloclap would transition. But the early return on players proves they’ve nailed it … at least on the pitch.
A sharp kick away from tradition
Rematch isn’t your typical football sim. Unlike EA Sports FC, which basically makes your players feel like they have magnetic boots glued to the ball, Rematch goes full tilt toward precision and challenge, with a completely free-moving ball system. That one design change redefines how the game functions, requiring true control, strategy, and awareness.
Whether you’re jumping into a casual 3v3 match or testing your nerves in the game’s ranked competitive mode, Rematch pushes players to use spatial awareness and teamplay in new ways. With additional support for 4v4 and 5v5, it not only adds variety, but opens the door for chaotic fun, especially when playing with friends or diving deep into the leaderboard climb.
Sloclap’s wild pivot pays off
Sloclap isn’t exactly new to the multiplayer space. Remember Absolver? That cult-favourite martial arts MMO-like title turned a lot of heads, and their more recent hit Sifu completely rewrote the fighting genre’s rulebook. So when they announced a stylised, arcade-infused soccer game, the reaction was mixed. Critical eyes, raised eyebrows, “Really?” echoing across fan forums. Yet here we are, and Rematch is already one of 2025’s most-played multiplayer titles on Xbox.
And the kicker? That three million player count is just the Xbox platform. Rematch is also live on PlayStation 5 and PC, meaning the full playerbase is likely even larger. The Xbox Game Pass debut no doubt helped boost numbers, but it’s unclear how many players accessed the game via the subscription service versus outright purchased the full $30 game. Still, it’s Game Pass players who likely form the bulk of this impressive number.
Season 0 and what’s to come
Rematch isn’t even close to reaching full-time yet. According to the developers, this first chapter, lovingly dubbed Season 0, is just the beginning. Future plans include a lineup of new seasons packed with limited-time events, permanent modes, balance updates, and fun-centred tweaks that will evolve the game over time.
Recently, Rematch also received its first major post-launch update, which brought with it a boatload of bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements. That’s just the warm-up lap: Season 1 is already in development and is expected to launch in the coming months. For players invested in the game’s competitiveness and depth, this is exciting news, especially if it means new arenas, unlockables, or wild mode variants.
Why this matters for Xbox Game Pass
Game Pass has been on fire this year. Many are calling it Xbox’s best year yet for the service. While blockbuster titles and Game of the Year contenders like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Blue Prince, and Metaphor: ReFantazio are stealing headlines, smaller, more niche projects like Rematch are proving the platform’s commitment to variety and risk-taking.
The diversity of content, from mystical RPGs to bold new IPs like Avowed, Doom: The Dark Ages, and South of Midnight, has made Game Pass essential for players wanting to stay ahead of the curve. The success of Rematch only reinforces why Microsoft’s subscription model continues to dominate in 2025.
Eyes on the goal
What’s next for Rematch? Judging by Sloclap’s momentum, the studio isn’t kicking back anytime soon. They’ve got a passionate community, a wildly promising start, and a live service roadmap that feels more celebratory than obligatory. Seasonal content won’t just serve as a lifeline for dwindling interest, it’s fuel meant to keep the fire burning for a thriving, competitive community.
Be sure to follow Sloclap on social media for updates on upcoming modes, tweaks, and when Season 1 will officially go live. And if you haven’t given Rematch a shot yet, now might be the best time to lace up and join the pitch.