FC 25 alternative UFL delayed until December

UFL is a free-to-play offering in the soccer space currently dominated by FC 25. It obviously won't be easy. In fact, it's proving so difficult that UFL is moving its release date after the feedback it got from players during two open betas.

Initially slated for a Sept. 12 launch, Strikerz Inc. announced today in a blog post it will not hit that target date. UFL's new release date is Dec. 5.

"It’s important to highlight that the game is Free to Play and built as a ‘Game as a Service’ product, which means UFL will have regular and meaningful updates both in core and meta once it's out," the post reads. "UFL will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. If you pre-order UFL, you’ll get early access and exclusive in-game content before the official launch. For those who’ve already pre-ordered, your order remains valid. Early access will start on November 28th. "

UFL's Sept. 12 date wasn't chosen by accident. Strikerz was hoping to beat its competition to market, as FC 25 releases Sept. 20. With UFL being free-to-play, it would have been worth a shot. But now, assuming FC 25 hits its planned launch window people will have a chance to play it first. Will they need or want another soccer game?

It's starting to look like a cautionary tale about jumping into a market with a dominant competitor. In addition to UFL, there are persistent rumors that 2K Sports might jump into the fray. Right now though, it looks like another uncontested year at the top for the current soccer simulation champion.

All that said, I hope UFL gets the bugs worked out and can have a respectable launch. Players have said for years that sports games need a live service model in which you download a game and it gets annual updates. That's what UFL is offering. We'll keep you posted on any further developments.