Melbourne Demons star Christian Petracca and Carlton Blues powerhouse Darcy Vescio have been unveiled as the cover athletes for AFL 23, releasing next month.
Petracca was a pivotal player in Melbourne’s hugely successful 2021 season, claiming the Norm Smith in their grand final win. For him, appearing on the cover is a lifelong dream accomplished.
“It’s a massive honour and privilege. I grew up a gamer, so to be on the cover is pretty special,” Petracca told Quest Daily.
Darcy Vescio has been a standout forward in the AFLW, with two All-Australian appearances and twice finishing the season as the league’s top goalkicker.
The Carlton co-captain says they were amazed by the technology and process of being scanned into the game.
“It’s wild. I’ve seen my avatar and you see my pores, you see everything. It’s really amazing,” they said.
At a launch event at Melbourne’s Fortress on Wednesday, developer Big Ant Studios also revealed exciting new gameplay features such as weekly updates on player stats thanks to Champion Data, and detailed likenesses of every active player in the competition.
With all AFL/AFLW teams licensed, over 1,200 players and recreations of thirty stadiums, AFL 23 is shaping up to be the most realistic depiction of the sport to date.
CEO of Big Ant Studios Ross Symons revealed that the game will be updated regularly based on how the teams are going in real life.
“This game is as real as it gets. Champion Data are controlling the stats and it’s live, so if you’re having an off-year, you’re going to suck. But equally, there will be bolts from the blue,” Symons told Quest Daily at the event.
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Aussie Rules has always been a tricky product to represent in gaming, with its fast-paced movement, physical battles and relatively small audience.
This is Big Ant’s first crack at the sport since AFL Live all the way back in 2011 and Symons says the team is thrilled to be returning as developer.
“It’s a dream to be able to make this game. It’s a dream to make a game for a sport that you actually love,” he said.
Catch a quick look at #AFL23
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— AFL (@AFL) March 2, 2023
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Previous games from the studio such as Cricket 22 or AO Tennis 2 have featured extensive customization options. AFL 23 looks to be no exception, with the ability to create players, teams and stadiums and share them online with the rest of the world.
“You can make any player, any team. You could make your under-14s squad, whatever you want to do,” Symons said.
Christian Petracca and Darcy Vescio grace the cover of AFL 23. (Quest Daily – Michael Rivers)
I got some hands-on time with the game at the event and right off the bat, the graphics have never been better.
The studio’s scanning technology is outstanding for creating authentic player likenesses, and the team is clearly proud to show them off with plenty of close-ups during pre-match warmup and celebrations.
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Gameplay feels speedy and responsive with intuitive controls that are easy to pick up. There might have been a couple of quirky bugs that showed up during my short test, but nothing that can’t be ironed out between now and release.
This seems like it could be the solid foundation that footy fanatics have been holding out for.
AFL 23 releases April 13 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC – look out for our full review in the coming weeks.
