Speedball Launches Out of Early Access: A Futuristic Sports Action Experience from Sniper Elite Creators

The studio Rebellion, renowned for the Sniper Elite and Zombie Army series, has announced the official release date of Speedball. This arcade sports action game featuring tough, muscular characters will exit early access and launch on PC and consoles on January 27. The game has been in early access since October 2024.

The updated version of Speedball reimagines the classic series from the Bitmap Brothers, which began in 1988. Set in the grim future of 2138, it showcases mega-corporations turning brutal sports into a means of mass distraction. Cybernetically enhanced fighters compete on arenas, where developers emphasize speed, aggression, and spectacular clashes.

Speedball fuses arcade gameplay with management elements, allowing players to build teams that match their style, upgrade skills, and compete against both bots and human players—either online or on the same screen.

In preparation for the 1.0 release, the developers have significantly revamped the game. A complete league mode with a seasonal format, a tutorial for newcomers, and new arenas with increased brutality have all been introduced. Rebellion has also improved shooting mechanics, visual effects, and AI behavior, added traps on arenas, and expanded the list of stadiums. These enhancements are aimed at making matches more dynamic and varied.

During its 14 months in early access, Speedball garnered 83% positive reviews on Steam. Players generally agree that the game attempts to capture the spirit of Speedball II in a contemporary format, though opinions on the execution are mixed.

Some players appreciate the respectful approach to the original, noting that the gameplay remains relatively straightforward and recognizable, and that matches feel lively. The updated visuals, while diverging from the classic aesthetic, are still well-received.

However, numerous reviews criticize the departure from the key features of Speedball II. Players miss the previous thrill, intuitive controls, and the unique feel of the matches. Issues with the camera, player switching, and several other elements often frustrate users, making the gameplay appear clunky. Some believe that instead of reimagining, the developers should have opted for a more straightforward remake with minimal alterations.

Concerns linger that the game may not have a long lifespan post-release. During early access, the peak online player count topped out at only 53 individuals. Whether the full release of version 1.0 and a console launch will change this remains to be seen.

The testosterone-fueled chaos of Speedball will fully unfold on PC (Steam), Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5. Developers promise to include a text translation in Russian.