NFL Clash could be the first non-EA NFL game to be released since 2004. The upcoming title is being developed by Nifty Games for mobile devices. The studio announced the game yesterday, revealing their licenses with the NFL and the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA).
Nifty Games describes NFL Clash as “an innovative take on mobile football games, offering NFL fans a new way to play an authentic head-to-head football game in just minutes.” The game is designed to be “mobile-first” and aims to break the mini-game stigma of mobile titles. The studio promises fast-paced deep gameplay for players on the go. NFL Clash will be the studio’s first title after raising $15 million in funding. Nifty Games is focused on developing “quick-session, head-to-head sports games for mobile devices.”
Securing licensing from the NFL is a good sign for the future of the studio. The NFL has begun moving away from its exclusive partnership with EA and started licensing to other studios like 2K Sports. EA’s exclusive rights deal ends in 2021, so fans can expect to see content from these new NFL partnerships after that point. Rachel Hoagland, Vice President, Head of Gaming and eSports for the NFL, commented on their venture with Nifty Games saying “We’ve looked to bolster our offering on mobile devices and are thrilled at the built-for-mobile clash-style gaming that Nifty Games will deliver to our fans.” Fans can follow the development of NFL Clash on the Nifty Games website.
Pete Wanat, Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer of Nifty Games, set the tone for what fans can expect from the studio, commenting “Sports games have yet to hit their stride on mobile, and Nifty Games is excited to team up with the NFL and NFLPA with a mobile-first take that opens up new audiences and engages fans everywhere.” Learn more about the new studio here.