The football video game landscape has been dominated by a few titles in recent decades. EA’s FC series (formerly FIFA), eFootball (formerly Pro Evolution Soccer), and Football Manager have been the names on the scene. With the exception of PES, those games all included the licences for all Premier League teams at a minimum, meaning a real sense of immersion for football fans.
However, Liverpool fans of a certain vintage may recall that there was a predecessor to those games that helped set the stage for football video games in a big way. That game was Liverpool: The Computer Game for the Amstrad CPC, released back in 1990. It pioneered many of the features that would become standard for football games in the future and was later released on the Atari in 1992.
Given that there has been massive rebranding and release controversy with the three most popular football video game titles in recent years, including the cancellation of the 2025-2025 edition of Football Manager, there’s one question on some people’s minds: Is it time for the return of solo-licensed games like the Amstrad Liverpool game?
A Wealth of Football Gaming at the Average Player’s Fingertips
While there are some primary franchises that dominate the video game output in terms of football, that doesn’t mean there are no indie or lesser-known football games available. Games like Rocket League came from nowhere to put a completely different spin on the genre, while games like Pixel Cup Soccer have stripped back the gameplay to offer a less intense form of play compared to the most popular AAA titles.
It’s not only console or computer gaming, either. The online casino has become a home to various football games, for example. At sites like Karamba for UK players, you can find a range of different football-based games, including titles like Football LuckyTap and Football Studio Dice. These games might not mirror what you would expect from something like FC26, but they provide a brand-new football gaming experience.
With football games all over the internet and on every console, there’s no real shortage of fun for players. It also shows that there’s a massive demand for games in the genre, with people clearly playing them in their droves, making their development worthwhile. Because of that, it’s clear to see that, no matter how competitive a market, there is still space for more football gaming.
A Current Gen Port of the Amstrad and Atari Games
The Liverpool video games of the 90s really set the precedent for football gaming. It allowed one or two players to take control of the Reds and play against First Division and FA Cup opponents in a thrilling season format. They could also play practice matches to prepare for these fixtures, choosing the pitch type and the length of the games.
Once in-game, players would have to dribble with and without the ball, trap it, and shoot, as well as take control of dead-ball situations. The full Liverpool squad at the time was included, and you would have to manage that team as you faced suspensions and injuries. It was truly the most immersive game of its time and could easily be ported to a current-generation console.
In fact, while the game began on the Amstrad, it was later ported to the Atari with great success. The original version of the game received a mixed response, while the 1992 Atari edition received much better reviews. 33 years later, a modern version of the game could see that trajectory continue, with up-to-date tech adding the sheen to the gameplay that was once seen as innovative, if a little clunky, as well as mixing modern wonderkids with the 90s squads.
Strike While The Premier League Iron’s Hot
A retread of Liverpool couldn’t come at a better time, either. After a record-equalling 20th league title in Arne Slot’s debut season, the club is at the top of its game. Add to that the three retro kits that have been released for the title defence, acclaimed by ESPN as “beauty”, and now might be the time to revive a ‘90s throwback.
Liverpool: The Video Game might not be something that neutrals remember, but it certainly remains in the minds of many at Anfield. It could be just the right time for it to come back and introduce a whole new generation of young Reds to the joys of a game about their favourite club and the pride of the city.
