One Big Game: UK Game Studios Tackle 24-Hour Football Match for SpecialEffect

Building on the rip-roaring success of 2021’s Xbox Game Studios derby which saw Rare face off against Playground Games, 2023 is super-sizing the soccer-based shenanigans in the name of SpecialEffect! This year, 24 teams from across UK game development studios will descend upon St. George’s Park in the heart of England on Wednesday, April 26, and play around-the-clock football to raise money for charity. 

The ambition of this event has increased in scale significantly from the exciting days of 2020, the initial footballing match-off. FIFA Match between Rare and Playground. The match evolved into a real football match in 2021. All proceeds go to SpecialEffect gaming charity. 

We know what you’re thinking: how does this work? Will their legs ever get tired? Which one will win the Worldies? Is it available for you to view? Well, don’t worry: we’ve got all the crucial information for you right here. 

On Wednesday, April 26, at 6 PM UTC two teams from each of the 24 competing countries will start the game. All 24 teams taking part – including squads from Rare, Playground, EA and Sumo, to name a few – will be assigned a team colour: red or blue. Each team’s stint on the pitch will last the full 90 minutes, with all teams representing either the red or blue side. Every goal scored by each team will contribute to an epic battle between red and blue, with the final whistle – and scoreline – being settled at 6pm UTC on Thursday, April 27. 

You don’t have to take our word that it’s happening, though – you’ll be able to tune into the match in all its glory live on Xbox’s Twitch channel. It’s set to be a feel-good, goal-packed, football-focused bonanza of an event, with a multitude of special guests – and no doubt a few surprises too. Gav MurphyWill be returning to the role of lead commentator. He will be joined for commentary duties by several familiar faces. Watch this space for further details on the pitch side line up. 

We’re genuinely thrilled to have had such incredible support from a multitude of studios across the UK, and we can’t wait for the teams to come together both on and off the pitch to raise money for such a brilliant cause. 

Rare Chief of Staff, Harriet Manson, said of the plans: “We’re really excited to be uniting keen footballers across the gaming industry for what promises to be an unforgettable 24 hours. Being able to bring teams together at St. George’s Park, the home of English football, will be a special moment for the industry to come together in aid of such a brilliant charity, SpecialEffect, who do such important work to bring the joy of gaming to people living with physical disabilities. This year, we’re particularly thrilled to be hosting the first ever women’s match under the One Big Game umbrella, welcoming to the pitch players from our Women of Xbox community and across the games industry. 

“Putting on an event of this stature wouldn’t have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of players, teams, commentators, and studios alike – we’re really grateful to all those who have had a hand in making our 24-hour, industry-wide One Big Game a reality.” 

SpecialEffect is a charity that focuses on helping people with physical disabilities to play video games. Many people consider games a form of recreation that is essential. Games like Sea of Thieves And Forza Horizon 5  SpecialEffect has a special role to play when connecting gamers with extra needs. SpecialEffect uses innovative technology to make gaming accessible to all. Solutions are tailored to each individual, taking into account their physical limitations and creating custom input devices, from modified controllers to eye control gadgets, to let them play with their friends and family. 

As Team Xbox, we couldn’t be prouder to support SpecialEffect’s mission to level the playing field for all gamers with disabilities. Make sure you tune in on Wednesday, April 26 for fun, fundraising, and a healthy dose of competition between the 24 participating studios. Rivalries will be born, heroes will be made, and friendships will be forged on the immaculate plastic turf of the Sir Alf Ramsey pitch at St. George’s Park. We can’t wait! 

For more information about One Big Game, or if you’re a studio who’d love to participate, please contact the crew at [email protected]. And of course, if you’d like to donate to the cause, head on over to the official JustGiving page to show your support and cheer on your chosen team!