The director of the soccer hit Rematch, Pierre Tarno, recently reflected on the game’s impressive success and the growth of its developer, Sloclap. While Rematch has been a major hit—selling over 1 million copies in just a few days following the studio’s earlier blockbuster, Sifu (which sold over 4 million copies)—Tarno made it clear that Sloclap aims to maintain its creative independence rather than pursuing AAA-scale expansion.
A Different Path to Growth
Unlike many studios striving to become huge AAA developers with massive budgets, Sloclap embraces a different philosophy. Tarno stated in an interview with GamesRadar+ that the studio does not aspire to create $50-100 million games or to expand to 250-person teams. Instead, Sloclap values creative freedom, which risks being limited in larger projects with bigger teams.
Rematch’s Unique Arcade-Style Soccer Experience
With Rematch, Sloclap took a bold turn away from traditional soccer games. Instead of complex simulations, Rematch offers an arcade-style, fast-paced experience. Players control just one character in 3v3, 4v4, or 5v5 matches inside small, closed arenas. The game removes conventional soccer rules like fouls and offsides, creating a fresh, intense experience.
Interestingly, while Rematch’s theme is different from Sifu, it shares similarities in its physicality and fast-paced action, demonstrating Sloclap’s signature gameplay style.
Balancing Success with Studio Philosophy
Despite its success, Sloclap is clear about the limits of its growth. Tarno emphasized that “we don’t feel the need to grow further” because larger growth could “limit the scope of your projects” and reduce the willingness to take creative risks. This approach allows Sloclap to remain nimble and innovative within the competitive gaming industry.
Looking Forward
Sloclap’s journey with Rematch and Sifu highlights a growing trend among indie studios: prioritizing creative freedom and unique gameplay over blockbuster budgets and massive teams. With a proven formula that resonates with players, Sloclap is poised to continue making impactful games on its own terms.