When discussing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and high tech development, FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) isn’t exactly the first company/organization that comes to mind. Normally, I would say it’s quite the opposite and they always seem to be late on the ball. No pun intended.
Welcome to the World Cup AI League
Join World Cup AI League
Things seem to have changed though because FIFA just launched the open Beta version of World Cup AI League. The game was developed by Altered State Machine and is a 4v4 football strategy game that leverages AI for its characters, cosmetics as well as gameplay.
Although the first tests were done in November 2022, just in time for the World Cup, the new Beta version is now ready to go. The intention is to create a different experience than we’ve seen before and I think people will enjoy it.
An interesting group of players
Cartoonish Design
For years, FIFA has been battling EA Sports for the use of imagery and likeness of super star players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. With the new design, this won’t be an issue as the looks and design of the players aren’t as important as they are in the EA Sports version of the FIFA franchise.
Instead, all the characters in World Cup AI League have more of a “Pixar” design and are cartoonish with bright colors.
Explore the world of football
The game currently offers maps inspired by Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Yaoundé, and Seoul. Users will be able to unlock new arenas and locations throughout the game.
Under AI Control
In the game, the action will be controlled by the AI, which is the one who will have a say in what the strengths and weaknesses are in each player.
It’s all being decided by the AI
Similar to Fantasy Football
For us humans, we will be able to control the team as a coach or an owner. It will work similar to fantasy football or other sports management games.
“Our mission is to lead casual gamers into the world of AI gaming in the metaverse, and with FIFA’s AI League, we are unlocking a unique new opportunity for football fans around the globe to interact with their favorite sport,” said Altered State Machine co-founder Aaron McDonald in a statement.
Create the perfect mix
Use the Skill Blender to Develop Players
Available via mobile app for Android, matches are played between teams of AI-powered characters that you own or manage. Each of the football players are completely unique, with a different set of AI traits that you will be able to strategically tweak, using a Skill Blender.
Your mission will be to find the right mix of AI skills and fine tune them into superstar players! Also, as a user you can customize uniforms, build your own team and challenge your friends for the ultimate honor and bragging rights.
NFT Marketplace in the Plans
While the game is free, it’s been confirmed that there are plans to launch an NFT marketplace for the game in the near future. A representative from Altered State Machine said that the NFT project will come at a later time. The reason being that the company wants the users to have fun and just play instead of being distracted by any NFT elements at this point.
Breath of Fresh Air
I think it’s great that something like this is coming out and the fact that FIFA is behind it, should add some trust. Will it work as great as they think? Probably not but even if it doesn’t, it will trigger other developers to come up with something even better.
The online casino industry works the same as competition leads to creative thinking and new innovations. Who are the winners? Us players of course.
Will we see something similar available for Esport betting? Who knows but in the meantime, don’t forget about all the great crypto casinos, promotions and games.
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