A Belarusian studio, Strikerz Inc., has reached a milestone with its football simulation project, UFL, entering open beta testing on the PlayStation 5. This phase invites PS5 owners to explore the title at no cost, giving players a chance to sample the game before a broader release window. The open beta will remain accessible without charge for a set period, with the option to download the title requiring a minimum free storage of roughly 28 GB on the console.
Funding for UFL’s development has come from a high-profile figure in world football, Cristiano Ronaldo. The development team emphasizes that any paid features are designed to preserve game balance and fairness, keeping core gameplay accessible to all players. Cosmetic items and optional purchases are planned, but they are not intended to create pay-to-win advantages, ensuring a level playing field as the title expands.
The full version of UFL is anticipated to launch on Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 in the 2024 timeframe. Strikerz Inc. has been advancing this project since its inception in 2016, pushing for a realistic and competitive football experience across multiple platforms.
In related industry news, Gianni Infantino, the President of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), announced the formation of a new football simulator built in collaboration with an unnamed studio. This initiative signals a renewed interest in football-themed gaming, distinct from the previous FIFA lineage once developed by Electronic Arts. Since 2023, EA has maintained a separate franchise under the EA Sports FC banner, reflecting a shift in branding and licensing strategy within the genre.
Earlier reports also touched on a separate tech note: an update for Windows 11 caused compatibility issues with the widely played GTA V, highlighting how platform updates can influence game performance and availability. These developments underline the dynamic nature of modern gaming ecosystems, where publishers, developers, and platform policies constantly interact to shape player experience and accessibility.