The first Gaelic football video game in almost 20 years is being created by a Belfast company as their debut release.
The game is being developed by Buck Eejit Games, which is putting the finishing touches to it before it hits shelves and online gaming stores.
Currently without a final release title, the game has been known as Gaelic Football 24 during its development and in early demo versions, but is due to be released in early 2025.
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The game will allow players to choose any of Ireland’s 32 county football teams, along with London and New York, and will be released on both PlayStation 5 and X-Box Series X/S consoles, as well as on PC.
Players will not be able to choose real-life clubs in the game, but instead will be able to play as clubs through a “creation suite” feature for league and championship modes in which they can create club colours and names.
No release date has been confirmed by the Belfast company behind the project, which said earlier this year it was aiming for a late 2024 debut for the game.
It will be the first GAA-based video game since the mid-2000s, when Australian company Transmission Games released three titles based on Ireland’s national sports.
It had previously released games based on Australian rules football.
Gaelic Games: Football was released in 2005 on consoles, with a sequel in 2007. The company also released Gaelic Games: Hurling in 2007, but the titles failed to prove a hit with gamers.
Buck Eejit is hoping their attempt to bring the GAA experience into gamers’ homes will prove more successful, and its staff have documented their development journey on social media.
They have used motion capture technology to create realistic movement for the digital footballers players will control, and state-of-the-art creator tools to personalise team members.
Online play is also planned, allowing gamers to take on friends in matches anywhere in the world.
Recent updates on social media by the team revealed new stadiums and tournaments are being added, while they also hinted of future plans for a hurling game.
Buck Eejit technical director Peadar McMahon told the Irish News his colleagues are “thrilled” to be bringing one of Ireland’s national sports back for players to enjoy on modern gaming hardware.
“Our team has worked incredibly hard to capture the spirit of the sport – from the fast-paced action on the pitch to the community feel that defines Gaelic games. This game is a love letter to Gaelic football fans, and we’re so excited for them to experience it in a way that hasn’t been possible until now.
“We look forward to getting the game into people’s hands early next year. It’s been a long journey, and we’re excited to bring Gaelic football to both dedicated fans and a new generation of players.”