Swedish company GOALS revealed that they have raised $20 million to help create a new self-titled soccer video game. This investment was led by venture capital Seven Seven Six. The firm is headed by Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian. Along with Ohanian’s group, the massive funding was also helped by fellow firms Northzone, Moonfire, and Cassius. However, there are also a few professional soccer players included in the investment.
LA Galaxy midfielder Riqui Puig and Tottenham Hotspur defender Clement Lenglet are involved as well. Puig signed for the Major League Soccer club last summer on a free transfer. Lenglet, on the other hand, is currently on loan at Spurs from Puig’s former team Barcelona.
GOALS boss wants to shake up esports industry with Riqui Puig and others
Following the announcement of the funding, GOALS founder Andreas Thorstensson spoke about the need for fresh ideas in the industry. “Our opinion is that soccer video games have grown stale,” said Thorstensson.
“There are over 3.5 billion football fans in the world, and our team is united in the belief that a football game done right should be the world’s biggest video game. We’re focused on making sure we have a game that meets the needs of every fan, whether they’re looking for casual or highly competitive play, what hardware they play on, no matter where they live.”
Ohanian also praised GOALS and their vision to create a new soccer game that people will like. “The studio is on a mission to bring a fun football game to the masses and to eliminate any barriers or inequities that may exist for players, no matter where they live or what hardware they’re running,” proclaimed Ohanian.”
“There’s a ton of potential in the team’s approach to design and technology that can extend well beyond this first game and football entirely.”
Company’s team includes previous FIFA developers
GOALS has around 50 employees at the moment. Some of the developers at the company previously worked with the popular FIFA and Madden franchises. FIFA will officially end its partnership with EA Sports in July. The world’s governing body of the sport is set to create its own video game. EA will continue making its soccer video game under the EA Sports FC moniker.
In all, GOALS now has raised $39 million in total funds for the new game. Gerard Pique was also involved in the previous round of investments. The company plans to create traditional 11v11 matches, as well as new game modes that include 5v5 play.
PHOTO: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire
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Courtesy : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/riqui-puig-among-investors-in-new-soccer-esports-game-20230420-WST-429320.html