First off, what a year! So much completed, added, and shared with the community, supporters, and playtesters. We've turned the corner in pulling all of our systems together to showcase a proper game loop now and things are moving smoothly.
Let's start off by showcasing a few key highlights that were added or completed this year. That doesn't cover all of the work we completed or implemented, but it's some of our larger pieces that the community expressed the most excitement for.
2025 HIGHLIGHTS
Key dynasty mode highlights
Multiple seasons playable (currently 50)
Weekly and seasonal awards
Training ratings boosts for playing other sports in the off season
Coach schemes and tendencies
Community file share for custom teams
Weather impact on games
Game themes (homecoming, rivalry, senior night, etc)
Key gameplay additions
Hired full time Lead Animator with AAA mocap and animation experience in sports
Advancements in mocap quality, cleanup, and integration process
DB gameplay and cover/man logic
New offensive and defensive plays
Gameplay audio with PA announcer, crowd sound, and environmental audio
Extensive custom rules options
First gameplay playtest (7on7)
7ON7 PLAYTEST FEEDBACK
“I was pleasantly surprised by the fluidity of player movement.”
“This game is amazing.”
“I actually got to throw the ball with defenders around love the qb animations “
“qb's can get ball out fast when need be but if you throw a bomb it takes a LOT longer “
“Movement feels so nice and smooth already!”
“the game feels good its giving strong APF 2K8 Vibes.!!! Excited for the Future”
A big focus for us in December was "atmosphere" in the game. This also included finally doing a lighting pass at making the game look more like a current generation game. It's still not finished, but it gives all of you a better view into what this game will look like.
GAMEPLAY ATMOSPHERE
Added PA announcer that handles down and distance, turnover, first down, and touchdown style events
Added initial crowd chatter in the stands, reactions based on play results like cheering for touchdowns.
Added background environmental sound design like wind, birds, traffic, etc.
GAMEPLAY
Focusing on pursuit logic to create more organic attack angles and avoid the “conga line” effect where players run in a line behind the ball carrier.
Robust custom gameplay rules options. As an example, in 7on7 we let you set points awarded for TDs or turnovers, game clock, overtime rules, mercy rule point range, etc.
It's going to be a wild 2026 for Varsity. Just wait until you see/hear about what we have in store for all of you...
Happy New Year,
The Varsity High School Football Team
If all of you wishlist our game on Steam we'll hit 10,000 wishlists and Steam will make our game more visible which will help us grow: View game page
