Rugby 24 Video Game: Developer Confirms Steam Early Access is Coming ‘Soon’, New Update Given

Nacon and Big Ant Studios’ upcoming rugby sim Rugby 24 has been delayed twice, but the developer has emphasised that the game is on the way, despite these hiccups.

Speaking with rugby YouTuber Squidge Rugby, Big Ant Studios head Ross Symons confirmed that the team is deep into the photogrammetry phase of the development, with the studio currently on a tour to complete the northern hemisphere clubs. The photogrammetry being done is used to create likenesses of the players, so that real-world 3D scans can be used to render the player models.

In January, Big Ant Studios announced that there will be an Early Access version of Rugby 24 on Steam for PC players interested in playing the in-development version. Symons commented on this saying that the Steam Early Access will “definitely be within a short period”, but that the team is dedicated to having an entire competition or tournament available for fans to play (with all the participating teams), and to do so, the photogrammetry needs to be done, hence the delay.

Symons also confirmed that a lot of the teams, including the All Blacks, have already been scanned and are being added into the game.

French publisher Nacon initially announced Rugby 24 back in March 2023 and was accompanied by a short trailer. It was then scheduled for a late 2023 launch before being delayed until January 2024, with the release date shifting further into 2024. However, it was announced that the game will release on Steam Early Access in March 2024.

Rugby 24 will feature 130 teams to choose from, as well as the Gallagher Premiership, URC, Top 14 and PRO D2 competition and participating clubs. Furthermore, it will include the Rugby World Cup 2023 license, allowing you to play through the global tournament.

Rugby 22 released in January 2022, and was developed by Eko Software. The game itself was a solid attempt at a pure and accessible rugby sim, despite some shortcomings (you can check out our review of Rugby 22 for more information). If Big Ant Studios can leverage the foundations there, while bringing their vast experience and mechanics from Rugby League Live, we’re in for a promising project.

Rugby 24 will now release later in 2024 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC.