Authenticity and Player Licensing in Blockchain Gaming
Community-driven football management and trading game Soccerverse has signed an agreement with FIFPRO, the international body representing professional footballers. This marks a significant step for blockchain-based football titles, bringing a new level of authenticity to the digital sports space.
The deal grants Soccerverse access to the names and images of more than 65,000 players. This partnership will enrich the game's in-game ecosystem by incorporating real-world athletes from numerous national unions, enhancing the player experience and the game's overall realism.
The licensing agreement covers players from over 70 member associations across prominent football nations. These include England, France, Italy, Argentina, Portugal, Belgium, Scotland, Norway, and Sweden, ensuring a broad representation of global football talent within the game.
With the endorsement from FIFPRO, Soccerverse is poised to deliver an experience that closely mirrors popular football titles like Fantasy Manager. This is a significant advancement compared to earlier on-chain management games, offering a more immersive and engaging gameplay.
The agreement specifically applies to the game's current release on the Polygon blockchain. Soccerverse has been operational on this platform since January, following an extensive development period of over three years.
Building a Decentralized Football World with Real Players
The newly established licensing deal will allow managers in Soccerverse to utilize real players, whose performance histories and identities are globally recognized. Players will have the ability to assemble squads featuring stars from top leagues, trade their favorite footballers, and participate in an economy driven by player performance.
The integration of licensed players into the game is anticipated in the coming weeks through a scheduled update. This update is expected to transform how clubs are formed and how player values are determined within the game's marketplace, closely reflecting real-world scouting and squad-building strategies.
Partnering with FIFPRO is a landmark moment for Soccerverse and a massive win for our community. Trust and authenticity are critical to our vision, and this license is our commitment to building a legitimate football universe. This is a true partnership that also supports FIFPRO’s vital mission, providing a global platform for the entire collective of players and giving our community the chance to discover talent from under-represented footballing nations.
Soccerverse CEO Andrew Gore.
FIFPRO Commercial Enterprises has recognized Soccerverse as an innovative contribution to the digital sports industry.
"FIFPRO is delighted to welcome Soccerverse, a community-driven system where fans can shape clubs, share influence, and build something together. We value partners who are willing to innovate and rethink the norm," the organization stated in a release.
While Soccerverse operates fully on-chain, its conceptual roots trace back decades to earlier football management titles developed by members of its current team. The developers have indicated that these foundational experiences have shaped the game's economy, combining established management mechanics with the permanence and transparency offered by blockchain technology.
CEO Andrew Gore emphasized the project's dedication to continuity. He noted that users seek consistency, especially when investing significant time in multi-season football management games.
"If you are going to invest loads of your time into a forever game that spans months, years, or even decades like some users did with SM Worlds, it’s comforting to know that it can never get turned off," Gore commented.
In late November, Soccerverse enhanced its ecosystem by collaborating with Immutable Play. This partnership introduced new reward features and aimed to expand the user base both within and beyond the core simulation. According to a statement from the blockchain game, this integration included a quest system that allows users to earn in-game currency, known as Gems, through simple interactions on various channels.
Participants can accumulate Gems by engaging with content such as watching promotional clips, reading official project materials, visiting the Soccerverse website, and following verified social media accounts. This reward-based system complements the game's management loop, offering a digital wheel that can be spun using collected Gems.
MENA Region Dominates Blockchain Gaming Growth
In separate blockchain gaming news, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has emerged as the most influential and fastest-growing contributor to the gaming sector. This finding is detailed in the 2025 State of the Industry Report published by the Blockchain Game Alliance (BGA).
The report indicates that nearly one-fifth of all respondents now hail from the MENA region, a substantial increase from its minimal presence in surveys conducted just a few years ago. The BGA's findings were presented at the Global Blockchain Show Abu Dhabi 2025. The event featured panelists Sebastien Borget, Co-President of the alliance and co-founder of The Sandbox, and Yat Siu, Chairman of Hong Kong-based Animoca Brands. They were hosted by Wissam Younane, CEO of the Middle East's BNC Media Group branch.