Rematch isn't even out yet and it's already racked up 1.9 million players

In an attempt to destabilize the soccer game monopoly held by EA FC (previously FIFA), we're seeing plenty of newcomers sprouting up. The likes of UFL and Goals are trying to rival the 11-a-side soccer sim action that EA Sports' behemoth offers. But maybe the secret to creating the next big soccer game isn't in realism, official licenses, and grinding to create a god squad. Rematch takes a more stylized, co-op multiplayer approach, and while I never anticipated it to be one of this year's breakout hits, it's looking like it's going to be. According to developer Sloclap, almost two million players tried out its most recent beta, making it one of the biggest games on Steam during the time it was live.

If you're not aware of Rematch, it's essentially five-a-side multiplayer soccer where you control just one individual player, rather than a whole team. The side-on cameras of your traditional soccer sims are ditched for a third-person view that lets you survey the pitch in front of you. There are no offsides, fouls, or anything to interrupt the flow of matches, and while it is possible to dribble and weave your way past opposing players, pinging passes to your squad mates to set up team goals is the preferred (and arguably more satisfying) way to score. Rematch's movement is super nimble and acrobatic – something Sloclap has mastered previously with its amazing martial arts action game Sifu. Put all of that together, and you've got a slick, fresh-feeling sports game that players have been very keen to try.

While Rematch won't be a free PC game when it launches later this month (it'll set you back $29.99 / £20.99 right now if you want to pre-order it) the most recent open beta was free to jump into. Sloclap has now revealed that just under 1.9 million players gave it a go across both Steam and consoles, which is way higher than I would've expected a sports title of its scope to attract. Over 6.7 million matches were played in total.

Such was its popularity on Steam – which is traditionally a less popular destination for sports game fans versus consoles – the beta stayed in the top five most-played games on Valve's platform across the four days it was live. Impressive stuff.

Now, the pressure will really be on to see if that beta hype can carry over to the game's full launch. The Rematch release date is set for Thursday, June 19, so there's not long to wait.

While Sifu was a deserved hit, I truly didn't think that Rematch would be of broad enough appeal, given its sporty nature, to attract similar levels of attention and excitement. But now it's looking like a stylized, five-a-side soccer game is going to be one of the biggest new PC games of the year. A surprise package, indeed. Also be sure to check out some of the other excellent multiplayer games that you can play on PC right now.

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