FAQ
When will GOALS be released?
We are already running an ongoing playtest through Steam!
You can request access here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2753000/GOALS/
For consoles, we are looking to start playtesting on Xbox first starting early 2025, with PlayStation playtests to follow later.
You can register your interest for consoles here: https://playgoals.com/playtest-signup
What platforms will GOALS be on?
GOALS will be released on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S and PC.
We will be looking into opportunities to make GOALS available on more platforms in the future!
Is GOALS free to play?
GOALS is free to play! You can play GOALS and compete on a fair and fun level.
How does GOALS differ from other football games?
Several things make GOALS unique compared to other football games. Our main ambition is to provide users with responsive, fun, and competitive gameplay. Good-looking visuals and realistic animations are important as well, but only when they don’t compromise the gameplay experience. We also believe that player- and team variety is crucial for an engaging and non-repetitive experience. Therefore, all players in GOALS are generated with unique stats and visuals. A few hand-picked real-life players will be introduced as “Originals” in GOALS. The visuals of Originals won’t be unique, but their stats will (although based on their real-life characteristics to a large degree). You can also expect other real-life celebrities and creators to be integrated into the game. More info to come!
What modes will be available in GOALS?
Two game modes have been developed in GOALS: 1v1 and 5v5. 1v1 will be present during early access, whereas 5v5 will arrive at a later date.
In 1v1, there are 11 players per team, with one user controlling each team. In 5v5, there are 5 players per team and every player is user-controlled.
For game modes, we have two casual game modes: Friendlies and Quickplay. Quickplay matches you with a random opponent, whereas Friendlies allows you to invite a specific user to play against.
We aim to have three competitive game modes: Ranked, Evolutions, and Tournaments. Ranked is a skill-rating-based game mode where users try to climb the ranks to improve their rewards. Evolution is a weekly game mode with a knockout format, where users try to progress through as many levels as they can. Tournaments will use a 4-round knockout format where users match opponents in the same round. A one-time reward can be collected for winning a tournament, and tournaments can be re-entered at any time if you get knocked out. Each tournament comes with specific entry requirements and prizes.
How can I sign up for the GOALS playtest?
You can sign up / register your interest using the links below:
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2753000/GOALS/
Consoles: https://playgoals.com/playtest-signup
Is GOALS cross-platform?
Yes! GOALS is fully cross-platform with all platforms we are releasing on!
What engine does GOALS use?
GOALS is running Unreal Engine 5 alongside our own simulation engine called SENTEC. We will always make sure that the Engine is up to date!
How good is the netcode and responsiveness of GOALS?
Game netcode refers to the underlying system that enables our multiplayer game to synchronize actions between players over the network. It manages data transmission, including player inputs, game state updates, and event triggers, ensuring a consistent gameplay experience.
We have built our netcode from scratch to provide a better online experience for all players! When playing against someone with higher ping, or playing with higher ping yourself, both players will have a smooth experience with as high as 150 ping!
We will also be optimising server placements and server connectivity to help further ensure the connection is smooth and ping is as low as possible for both players.
This ensures the game remains responsive even in high ping situations!
What are the system requirements for GOALS?
Right now, we do not have any set system requirements, but we are aiming for GOALS to work on a modern dual-core Celeron CPU or equivalent with an integrated graphics card. This will allow almost everyone to run GOALS!
What servers/regions will GOALS cover?
By launch we aim to have all major regions covered!
Including Europe, North America, LATAM, Middle East and Asia.
Is there a GOALS companion app?
Yes! We already have a companion app!
You can download the companion here:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goals-companion/id6738702278
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playgoals.companion
Where can I provide feedback for GOALS?
The best place to provide feedback is via our Discord!
You can join here https://discord.gg/goals
If you are already a playtester, we can add you to the playtest channels, simply send a message in hangout and let us know that you’re a playtester!
Where can I find support for GOALS?
The best place to get support for GOALS is our Discord!
You can join here https://discord.gg/goals
How can I report bugs or glitches in GOALS?
The best place to report bugs and glitches is our Discord!
You can join here https://discord.gg/goals
If you are already a playtester, we can add you to the playtest channels, simply send a message in hangout and let us know that you’re a playtester!
Will there be community tournaments and events in GOALS?
Yes! We have already hosted many tournaments and events!
The best place to join these events and learn more would our Discord!
You can join here https://discord.gg/goals
Where can I contact GOALS for partnerships or sponsorships?
You can reach out to us via Discord!
You can join here https://discord.gg/goals
Is there a training mode or arena in GOALS?
Yes! We have an Arena where you can practice shots and other actions against the goalkeeper!
Will GOALS ever have single-player?
We now have a mode where you can practice against bots and earn rewards through in-game challenges.
Does GOALS have much AI interference during gameplay?
We have built the AI to have limited interference and to provide enough support during matches without directly influencing gameplay. We believe that the general gameplay experience should be you vs another user, not you vs a computer. A too-strong AI influence during gameplay will reduce the skill gap and not reward good user actions enough.
Can I create my own team in GOALS?
Yes! Using unique players you will be able to build your own team and play across our various modes! Your team will be fully unique to you!
Does GOALS include women players?
Yes! We have women in the game, and teams can consist of both male and female players!
Will GOALS have real players?
We are working on our Originals concept to add real players, celebrities, content creators and other famous figures into GOALS! These will be players you can add to your own teams!
Will player stats be tracked in GOALS?
Yes! We aim to track stats like goals, assists, and clean sheets and record them to the profile of each of your players!
Will GOALS have unique stadiums?
Yes! Almost every stadium in GOALS will be unique! These unique stadiums will be obtainable through multiple areas in the game.
Will GOALS have a spectator mode?
Yes! We are aiming to have a spectator mode!
What controls are available in GOALS?
On our Steam version you can use keyboard/mouse along with all controllers.
For console versions, you will need to use the default controller for that platform.
How do I change the controls in GOALS?
We aim to have full remap functionality in the game by launch!
How will GOALS handle cheating or toxic behavior?
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment where everyone can enjoy GOALS. Just like any other sport, we believe a positive and supportive atmosphere is essential for fun and fair competition.
We have zero tolerance for toxic behaviour or any other forms of misconduct and will publish clear rules to be upfront with our expectations and consequences.
We will also implement anti-cheat solutions to identify who is a suspected cheater, then gather enough telemetry on this suspected user to in the end ban them. We also have replays which we can use to inspect if the player did something that is considered cheating.
How does GOALS handle skill rating / MMR?
When playing the Ranked game mode, users have a skill rating that updates based on their match performance. The skill rating determines which rank a user is placed in, and a global TOP500 leaderboard exists for the users with the highest skill ratings in GOALS. The skill rating is also used for matchmaking, where we try to match users of a similar skill rating against each other within reasonable waiting times. The higher the skill rating of the opponent is, the more match points are earned from the game. Hence, striving for a high skill rating from a rewards perspective is always beneficial. The size of skill rating updates depends on the difference in skill rating between a user and their opponent. A bigger difference leads to bigger potential gains for the user with the lower skill rating and smaller potential losses. The opposite is true for the user with the higher skill rating.
How often will GOALS be updated after launch?
We aim to provide regular updates to GOALS even after launch!
We are constantly looking for feedback, ideas and suggestions to improve GOALS!
Can you play as a keeper in GOALS?
The keeper is AI controlled across modes. You will be able to control the keeper when he has the ball in 1v1 modes, but will not be able to control the keeper in 5v5 matches.
Can I play GOALS on mobile?
GOALS will not be available on mobile as a playable game, but we have a companion app you can download to make changes to your team and perform other actions on the go!
You can download the companion here:
iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/goals-companion/id6738702278
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.playgoals.companion
Are there licensed teams and players in GOALS?
All teams in GOALS are unique, so there will not be licensed teams. For players, we will be adding real players into GOALS through our Originals concept.
Will GOALS have any licensed music/soundtrack?
At launch, we will not have any licenced music as we are creating our own custom music and sounds for GOALS.
Will GOALS release any paid editions of the game?
No, GOALS will not release any paid editions/versions. Everyone will have the same start to GOALS without any additional benefits.
Will there be dynamic weather in GOALS?
There is no plan for dynamic weather right now. We want to avoid anything that could influence or affect visibility and gameplay.
Will GOALS be on cloud streaming platforms?
We are talking to cloud platforms, but nothing has been decided yet. We will update this as soon as we have more information.
Will GOALS have VAR or better refereeing?
There will not be VAR animations / cutscenes in GOALS, but we will have automated refereeing in GOALS. Decisions and cards will be decided automatically.
Is GOALS pay to win?
While you will be able to purchase in-game items for cash, we are making it a top priority to reward users who play the game a lot to make sure that their efforts are enough to have a very competitive team.