Rugby 25 News

Hi rugby fans!

Our second interim update to the Early Access release of Rugby 25 is now available. We again thank everyone for their feedback, it has been valuable to the team and has shaped what we have worked on so far, as well as the priorities for future updates.

Patch notes for this update are the following,

• Improved Kicking
  • In play kicks have been adjusted along with tuning of trajectories across all kick types. A dedicated button (A) has been implemented for Up and Under kicks.
    

• Improved Offloads
  • Standard pass buttons may be used to offload in the early stages of a tackle. Note that offloads are more likely than standard passes to deviate from the target. This is an area on which we are hoping to get feedback to ensure we have balanced this correctly.
    

• Improved Scrum Half ruck join speed
  • The halves will attend rucks quicker to use the ball. The Ruck mechanic is still being worked on in response to feedback, this area of the game will have further improvement in future updates.
    

• Corrected Rule implementation
  • Correction of some rules not implemented correctly, including the positioning of the lineout after free kicks to touch and ensuring defensive touchdowns are treated correctly.
    

• Corrected unintentional forward passes
  • The logic for selecting a pass target when tapping LB/RB has been adjusted to avoid a small percentage of scenarios where the ball would be passed well forward to a teammate out of the ruck.
    
    

• Stability improvements
  • A number of reported game stability issues have been rectified in this update, our support team thanks you! Please keep these reports coming through as they are encountered via https://early.bigant.com/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2340870/Rugby_25/

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Hi everyone,

We have just launched our first interim update for the initial early access release of Rugby 25. We continue to follow your feedback both here and via our official Rugby 25 forum.

Patch notes for this update are the following,

• Improved Tackling (Ongoing)
  • Improved tackle effectiveness, reducing simple running around the AI and improved user tackles.
    

• Improved passing (Ongoing)
  • Improved passing ball trajectory and player timing of their runs, reducing missed passes.
    

• Improved ruck join speed
  • Attacking players will join the ruck faster.
    

• Corrected Controls screen and Settings text
  • Corrected mislabelled controls, including the Side camera option being labelled 'High' and omitted controls including the “B” button for tackle.
    

• Corrected competition mode scoring system
  • New Custom Competition mode saves will utilise the correct 4 points for a win, 2 points for a draw scoring system.
    

• Adjusted night match start time
  • Reduction in the occurrence of harsh shadows due to some matches beginning at dusk before the lights would turn on.
    

• General stability improvements
  • Improved game stability and non-progression issues (game not advancing and plays not able to complete, particularly during rucks).
    

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2340870/Rugby_25/

[h2]Social Channels[/h2] Rugby 25 Twitter Rugby 25 Facebook Rugby 25 Instagram Rugby 25 Subreddit
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First of all, thank for your interest in Rugby 25 Early Access, we really appreciate you coming on board!

We appreciate all comments and critiques, the primary goal of Rugby 25 being in Early Access is to take the community on the development journey with us.

We would like to clarify that this release of Rugby 25 Early Access has somewhat tuned graphics, for which the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and an early experimental build with regard to AI behaviours, for which you have let us know that we haven’t met the expected mark.

Today we are releasing a roadmap to indicate the major milestones that will occur over the next two months. In between these major updates, you will see frequent smaller updates from us as we tune the AI, improve animation and improve general stability.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2340870/Rugby_25/

This Early Access method is similar to that we have used to successfully bring TIEBREAK tennis to market, where features were basic at the start are worked upon with public consultation, even to the point of adding and removing gameplay mechanics.

We can only offer this flexibility and responsiveness by releasing the game in an early state, where the core rugby engine has been completed but now the AI and gameplay layers need to be added. You can expect regular updates from us, regular communication and regular additions to Rugby 25 Early Access.

Rugby 25 has an unparalleled roster, far broader than that the sport has ever seen in a video game, and it is our aim to bring the gameplay up to that same level, this Early Access is merely the base from which we will build. We welcome and look forward to any feedback from you on Steam, or on the Big Ant forums to ensure Rugby 25 becomes the best Rugby ever made.

[h2]Early Access Roadmap[/h2]

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At first look at this title, you might be wondering, 'Rugby 25? What happened to Rugby 24?' So let's dive right in.

First and foremost, we want to apologize for the significant wait you've endured over the past few years in anticipation of a new Rugby game. We've spent a considerable amount of time traveling the world to scan players from over 140 teams and sign various licensing agreements. While this is not an excuse, it may partially explain the delays.

Now that most of this phase is complete, we can now fully dedicate ourselves to developing the game and implementing the teams.

This Early Access phase will allow you to enjoy the game ahead of its full release, but also to influence the direction of its development. With promising feedback and a growing player base, Rugby 25 Early Access sets the stage for a groundbreaking entry into the world of rugby gaming, creating the most comprehensive Rugby video game of all time.

Upon Early Access release, teams will not be final, nor will the players have their photogrammetry likeness integrated into the game. As the Early Access period progresses, teams and players will have their names and likeness updated and integrated into the game.

It should be noted that the AI and player movement are in an experimental phase and anomalies will occur as we lock these important elements of the game in.

We expect delivery of the final version of Rugby 25 later in 2024, the exact length of the Early Access will be dependent upon feedback received and development progress.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h2]Early Access launch[/h2]

Here we are! Rugby 25 is officially launching its Early Access!

In this initial Early Access release you will be able to select from 21 Nations, but the only team with cphotogrammetry will be the Australian Wallabies and French Teams. Other teams and photogrammetry will be constantly added as the Early Access period progresses.

Our goal with this Early Access is to eventually include:

● Over 140 International Teams including New Zealand, South Africa, England, France and Australia.
● Over 150 Club Sides
● 11 competitions, including URC, Gallagher Premiership, French Top 14 and Pro D2, MLR, and Super Rugby Pacific
● A career mode: Navigate the highs and lows of a professional rugby coaching career. Build and manage your dream team, train players, develop strategies, and make crucial decisions to lead your team to victory
● Rugby Academy: Create teams, players, logos and stadiums in the creation tools in Rugby24, make anything from your all-time favourite players to your local team.


[h2]Gameplay [/h2]

Let's talk gameplay now. We would like to remind you that we are still in the early stages of Rugby 25, but you can already expect these additions during Early Access:

- Realistic Gameplay: Experience the authentic feel of rugby with realistic physics and player movement, employing real rugby strategy to outplay your opponents.
- Dynamic Weather and Stadiums: Play in various weather conditions and iconic stadiums from around the world. Rain, mud, or shine, every match offers a unique challenge.
- Multiplayer actions: Challenge your friends or compete against players worldwide in cross platform online multiplayer modes. Show off your skills and climb the global leaderboards.


[h2]Gameplay Modes [/h2]

From now on, you can start quick matches against an AI offline! During this Early Access period, we'll be adding new game modes such as :

- Exhibition Matches: Jump straight into the action with quick matches. Choose your teams, set the conditions, and get playing.
- Tournaments: Participate in major tournaments and leagues. Win trophies and achieve glory.
- Training: Hone your skills with dedicated tutorial training sessions. Practice different aspects of the game to perfect your technique.

Please note that this ‘roadmap’ isn't final, the content and timing are subject to change.

Want to closely follow the game's development?

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2340870/Rugby_25/

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