Multiplat AFL 26 - Releasing May 8th

[Dannnnnnnnnn]

A reminder before this game's alleged release.

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING
​

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In the wise, wise words of Jasper Beardsley:

 

[carn tigez]

Yeah I get that too.

AFL is a complicated sport to digitise so was just throwing an idea out there. Separate buttons works too. I just feel that holding down multiple buttons in the heat of the moment overcomplicates an already complicated sport.

My other idea is to have button shapes above players heads and pressing that button passes it to that player.

Even double press or something could work for an altered pass type

 

[Xtreme]

Yeah I get that too.

AFL is a complicated sport to digitise so was just throwing an idea out there. Separate buttons works too. I just feel that holding down multiple buttons in the heat of the moment overcomplicates an already complicated sport.

My other idea is to have button shapes above players heads and pressing that button passes it to that player.

I've missed out on a lot of the extra things you can do (banana kicks on the run, dribble kicks etc etc) because I don't always hit the shoulder buttons + the face buttons to execute everything. It's more of a me thing than an impossible for everyone thing - it's why in Fifa I'm largely a basics player and don't do the juke/jive trick moves all of the time (more a once in a blue moon - and yes it's also why I can get thrashed when playing online lol).

 

[dondolla]

The grounds looked fantastic with the interchange bench on the field of play!

Another thing with the grounds. They don’t have the right dimensions. I’m not 100% sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if every ground is the same size. I played two games the other day in Adelaide, which is a skinny ground, and it felt way too big and probably the same size as the MCG. At marvel they have a massive distance between the boundary line and where the fence is which looks ridiculous.

 

[Xtreme]

Another thing with the grounds. They don’t have the right dimensions. I’m not 100% sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if every ground is the same size. I played two games the other day in Adelaide, which is a skinny ground, and it felt way too big and probably the same size as the MCG. At marvel they have a massive distance between the boundary line and where the fence is which looks ridiculous.

I actually did a Hawks v Eagles "Anzac" game at Marvel this morning and noticed the same thing with the boundary line to the fence. But also another nitpick was however they've done the lighting for the game - I noticed early on when playing if you fiddle with the lighting settings you can play in complete darkness - the only "light" in the game coming from the sponsor banners around the ground.

But in a normal setting it kinda looks dim if you have other settings (eg: play a "night" match and the on ground scoreboard + the sponsor signage also looks dull vs the playing surface).

 

[Hoop1888]

It just feels like sports games are now drawn into having to be so complex and having hundreds of different of nuances and whatnot

This. So much this. Before I seen the light with footy, I was a huge soccer fan & played Pro Evolution/Fifa. The 2011 version of Fifa was, imo, the best soccer game ever made in that it felt like a real game: player movement, the animations, the various way you scored goals, & then they started shifting & changing all that & it just got worse & worse. I understand EA are more into those player pack things you have to buy, but if they left the game alone they'd still have a great gaming sim.

Jonah Lomu rugby, for its time, was great fun to play. Very arcadey but a lot of folk seem to rate it as the best rugby game. I wonder if that should be the approach to an AFL game? Though I only played '23 & I can't remember the other one, might have been AFL Live 2.

 

[illnino]

Sorry if posted already. This had to be written by Big Ant.

AFL 26 - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

 

[palmomagpie]

Sorry if posted already. This had to be written by Big Ant.

AFL 26 - Wikipedia

en.m.wikipedia.org

Bots keep removing it too saying it’s vandalism if this is what you’re referring to:

AFL 26 has been widely hailed as a revolutionary leap in Australian rules football video gaming, setting a new benchmark for realism, immersion, and footy strategy. Developed by passionate footy fans and crafted with unprecedented detail, AFL 26 is the game that fans have been dreaming about for over a decade — and it's finally here.

For the first time in franchise history, players are treated to a living, breathing footy simulation that captures the chaos, beauty, and tactical nuance of the real sport. The game's AI overhaul introduces dynamic gameplans, adaptive defensive structures, and lifelike ball movement that mirrors real AFL match flow. Teams can now switch play intelligently, clog up space, flood the backline, or go full throttle with precision coast-to-coast attacks — just like their real-life counterparts.

In a move that has sent strategy-lovers into overdrive, AFL 26 introduces fully customizable stoppage setups. Players can now manually position midfielders, rotate structures mid-game, and even implement set plays for centre bounces, boundary throw-ins, and ball-ups — bringing a whole new layer of tactical depth to the virtual field.

The manual ruck hit-out system is a game-changer, allowing ruckmen to direct taps with skill-based timing and follow up their own contests with unmatched responsiveness. Gone are the days of random outcomes — every hit-out, every contest, every clearance now feels earned.

Fatigue and speed differentials are now more impactful than ever, meaning big-bodied rucks can no longer chase down fleet-footed wingers, and fresh legs off the bench can break a game wide open in the dying stages. Add to this the most advanced collision and ball spill physics ever seen in a footy game, and you get contests that feel brutal, unpredictable, and oh-so-authentic.

Set shots are no longer a gimmie — the revamped goal-kicking system rewards composure, skill, and wind-reading ability. Wet weather games are a scrap-fest, where every possession matters, and dry days encourage bold attacking footy. Every match is a unique experience, shaped by realistic weather, AI tendencies, and momentum swings that capture the theatre of AFL like never before.

And if you're an online warrior — brace yourself. AFL 26 features a deep competitive online mode, with ranked matchmaking, custom leagues, and even a simulation-style league builder that mirrors the real AFL season. With smooth netcode and balanced gameplay, it's set to become the digital battleground for the ultimate bragging rights.

Footy lovers, this is not just another yearly update.
This is the evolution. The redemption. The resurrection. This is AFL 26.
Prepare for total footy immersion.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

In a move that has sent strategy-lovers into overdrive, AFL 26 introduces fully customizable stoppage setups. Players can now manually position midfielders, rotate structures mid-game, and even implement set plays for centre bounces, boundary throw-ins, and ball-ups — bringing a whole new layer of tactical depth to the virtual field.

They've finally matched AFL 99!

 

[Treehill23]

Bots keep removing it too saying it’s vandalism if this is what you’re referring to:

AFL 26 has been widely hailed as a revolutionary leap in Australian rules football video gaming, setting a new benchmark for realism, immersion, and footy strategy. Developed by passionate footy fans and crafted with unprecedented detail, AFL 26 is the game that fans have been dreaming about for over a decade — and it's finally here.

For the first time in franchise history, players are treated to a living, breathing footy simulation that captures the chaos, beauty, and tactical nuance of the real sport. The game's AI overhaul introduces dynamic gameplans, adaptive defensive structures, and lifelike ball movement that mirrors real AFL match flow. Teams can now switch play intelligently, clog up space, flood the backline, or go full throttle with precision coast-to-coast attacks — just like their real-life counterparts.

In a move that has sent strategy-lovers into overdrive, AFL 26 introduces fully customizable stoppage setups. Players can now manually position midfielders, rotate structures mid-game, and even implement set plays for centre bounces, boundary throw-ins, and ball-ups — bringing a whole new layer of tactical depth to the virtual field.

The manual ruck hit-out system is a game-changer, allowing ruckmen to direct taps with skill-based timing and follow up their own contests with unmatched responsiveness. Gone are the days of random outcomes — every hit-out, every contest, every clearance now feels earned.

Fatigue and speed differentials are now more impactful than ever, meaning big-bodied rucks can no longer chase down fleet-footed wingers, and fresh legs off the bench can break a game wide open in the dying stages. Add to this the most advanced collision and ball spill physics ever seen in a footy game, and you get contests that feel brutal, unpredictable, and oh-so-authentic.

Set shots are no longer a gimmie — the revamped goal-kicking system rewards composure, skill, and wind-reading ability. Wet weather games are a scrap-fest, where every possession matters, and dry days encourage bold attacking footy. Every match is a unique experience, shaped by realistic weather, AI tendencies, and momentum swings that capture the theatre of AFL like never before.

And if you're an online warrior — brace yourself. AFL 26 features a deep competitive online mode, with ranked matchmaking, custom leagues, and even a simulation-style league builder that mirrors the real AFL season. With smooth netcode and balanced gameplay, it's set to become the digital battleground for the ultimate bragging rights.

Footy lovers, this is not just another yearly update.
This is the evolution. The redemption. The resurrection. This is AFL 26.
Prepare for total footy immersion.

Has to be a ChatGPT job otherwise whoever did this really needs to find a hobby lol

 

[MadMundy]

Has there been any news at all since the original announcement?

 

[Treehill23]

Has there been any news at all since the original announcement?

Absolutely nothing

 

[FearTheBeard13]

Has there been any news at all since the original announcement?

Mind you that announcement only came because Twistie found the game rating page. Imagine if he didnt

 

[Xtreme]

Has to be a ChatGPT job otherwise whoever did this really needs to find a hobby lol

Big Ant has recruited Hamish (has previous experience in embellishing history with his own wiki entry) and promised him to be on the commentator list for the game if he does them a favour!

 

[carn tigez]

Bots keep removing it too saying it’s vandalism if this is what you’re referring to:

AFL 26 has been widely hailed as a revolutionary leap in Australian rules football video gaming, setting a new benchmark for realism, immersion, and footy strategy. Developed by passionate footy fans and crafted with unprecedented detail, AFL 26 is the game that fans have been dreaming about for over a decade — and it's finally here.

For the first time in franchise history, players are treated to a living, breathing footy simulation that captures the chaos, beauty, and tactical nuance of the real sport. The game's AI overhaul introduces dynamic gameplans, adaptive defensive structures, and lifelike ball movement that mirrors real AFL match flow. Teams can now switch play intelligently, clog up space, flood the backline, or go full throttle with precision coast-to-coast attacks — just like their real-life counterparts.

In a move that has sent strategy-lovers into overdrive, AFL 26 introduces fully customizable stoppage setups. Players can now manually position midfielders, rotate structures mid-game, and even implement set plays for centre bounces, boundary throw-ins, and ball-ups — bringing a whole new layer of tactical depth to the virtual field.

The manual ruck hit-out system is a game-changer, allowing ruckmen to direct taps with skill-based timing and follow up their own contests with unmatched responsiveness. Gone are the days of random outcomes — every hit-out, every contest, every clearance now feels earned.

Fatigue and speed differentials are now more impactful than ever, meaning big-bodied rucks can no longer chase down fleet-footed wingers, and fresh legs off the bench can break a game wide open in the dying stages. Add to this the most advanced collision and ball spill physics ever seen in a footy game, and you get contests that feel brutal, unpredictable, and oh-so-authentic.

Set shots are no longer a gimmie — the revamped goal-kicking system rewards composure, skill, and wind-reading ability. Wet weather games are a scrap-fest, where every possession matters, and dry days encourage bold attacking footy. Every match is a unique experience, shaped by realistic weather, AI tendencies, and momentum swings that capture the theatre of AFL like never before.

And if you're an online warrior — brace yourself. AFL 26 features a deep competitive online mode, with ranked matchmaking, custom leagues, and even a simulation-style league builder that mirrors the real AFL season. With smooth netcode and balanced gameplay, it's set to become the digital battleground for the ultimate bragging rights.

Footy lovers, this is not just another yearly update.
This is the evolution. The redemption. The resurrection. This is AFL 26.
Prepare for total footy immersion.

Makes me sad, got half excited reading this before realizing it's not legit

 

[illnino]

Bots keep removing it too saying it’s vandalism if this is what you’re referring to:

AFL 26 has been widely hailed as a revolutionary leap in Australian rules football video gaming, setting a new benchmark for realism, immersion, and footy strategy. Developed by passionate footy fans and crafted with unprecedented detail, AFL 26 is the game that fans have been dreaming about for over a decade — and it's finally here.

For the first time in franchise history, players are treated to a living, breathing footy simulation that captures the chaos, beauty, and tactical nuance of the real sport. The game's AI overhaul introduces dynamic gameplans, adaptive defensive structures, and lifelike ball movement that mirrors real AFL match flow. Teams can now switch play intelligently, clog up space, flood the backline, or go full throttle with precision coast-to-coast attacks — just like their real-life counterparts.

In a move that has sent strategy-lovers into overdrive, AFL 26 introduces fully customizable stoppage setups. Players can now manually position midfielders, rotate structures mid-game, and even implement set plays for centre bounces, boundary throw-ins, and ball-ups — bringing a whole new layer of tactical depth to the virtual field.

The manual ruck hit-out system is a game-changer, allowing ruckmen to direct taps with skill-based timing and follow up their own contests with unmatched responsiveness. Gone are the days of random outcomes — every hit-out, every contest, every clearance now feels earned.

Fatigue and speed differentials are now more impactful than ever, meaning big-bodied rucks can no longer chase down fleet-footed wingers, and fresh legs off the bench can break a game wide open in the dying stages. Add to this the most advanced collision and ball spill physics ever seen in a footy game, and you get contests that feel brutal, unpredictable, and oh-so-authentic.

Set shots are no longer a gimmie — the revamped goal-kicking system rewards composure, skill, and wind-reading ability. Wet weather games are a scrap-fest, where every possession matters, and dry days encourage bold attacking footy. Every match is a unique experience, shaped by realistic weather, AI tendencies, and momentum swings that capture the theatre of AFL like never before.

And if you're an online warrior — brace yourself. AFL 26 features a deep competitive online mode, with ranked matchmaking, custom leagues, and even a simulation-style league builder that mirrors the real AFL season. With smooth netcode and balanced gameplay, it's set to become the digital battleground for the ultimate bragging rights.

Footy lovers, this is not just another yearly update.
This is the evolution. The redemption. The resurrection. This is AFL 26.
Prepare for total footy immersion.

Yeah that's it. Love how they say it's redemption and a resurrection... just admitting the last game was beyond ass. I'd be shocked if 25% of these improvements listed are in the game.

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

Yeah that's it. Love how they say it's redemption and a resurrection... just admitting the last game was beyond ass. I'd be shocked if 25% of these improvements listed are in the game.

Yeah, there's no way Big Ant will ever admit they made a mistake or did anything wrong.

 

[esek]

Has there been any news at all since the original announcement?

Nope. They haven't even spoken about a digital release of the game whether there will be a pre-order or if it'll just pop up on "release day"

 

[Flagmantle Pod]

Bots keep removing it too saying it’s vandalism if this is what you’re referring to:

AFL 26 has been widely hailed as a revolutionary leap in Australian rules football video gaming, setting a new benchmark for realism, immersion, and footy strategy. Developed by passionate footy fans and crafted with unprecedented detail, AFL 26 is the game that fans have been dreaming about for over a decade — and it's finally here.

For the first time in franchise history, players are treated to a living, breathing footy simulation that captures the chaos, beauty, and tactical nuance of the real sport. The game's AI overhaul introduces dynamic gameplans, adaptive defensive structures, and lifelike ball movement that mirrors real AFL match flow. Teams can now switch play intelligently, clog up space, flood the backline, or go full throttle with precision coast-to-coast attacks — just like their real-life counterparts.

In a move that has sent strategy-lovers into overdrive, AFL 26 introduces fully customizable stoppage setups. Players can now manually position midfielders, rotate structures mid-game, and even implement set plays for centre bounces, boundary throw-ins, and ball-ups — bringing a whole new layer of tactical depth to the virtual field.

The manual ruck hit-out system is a game-changer, allowing ruckmen to direct taps with skill-based timing and follow up their own contests with unmatched responsiveness. Gone are the days of random outcomes — every hit-out, every contest, every clearance now feels earned.

Fatigue and speed differentials are now more impactful than ever, meaning big-bodied rucks can no longer chase down fleet-footed wingers, and fresh legs off the bench can break a game wide open in the dying stages. Add to this the most advanced collision and ball spill physics ever seen in a footy game, and you get contests that feel brutal, unpredictable, and oh-so-authentic.

Set shots are no longer a gimmie — the revamped goal-kicking system rewards composure, skill, and wind-reading ability. Wet weather games are a scrap-fest, where every possession matters, and dry days encourage bold attacking footy. Every match is a unique experience, shaped by realistic weather, AI tendencies, and momentum swings that capture the theatre of AFL like never before.

And if you're an online warrior — brace yourself. AFL 26 features a deep competitive online mode, with ranked matchmaking, custom leagues, and even a simulation-style league builder that mirrors the real AFL season. With smooth netcode and balanced gameplay, it's set to become the digital battleground for the ultimate bragging rights.

Footy lovers, this is not just another yearly update.
This is the evolution. The redemption. The resurrection. This is AFL 26.
Prepare for total footy immersion.

I’d trust Steve.Hobbs.2025 with my life

 

[BlackMamba]

Another thing with the grounds. They don’t have the right dimensions. I’m not 100% sure but I wouldn’t be surprised if every ground is the same size. I played two games the other day in Adelaide, which is a skinny ground, and it felt way too big and probably the same size as the MCG. At marvel they have a massive distance between the boundary line and where the fence is which looks ridiculous.

The stadium creator allows you to choose 3 different size grounds… so I reckon that might be what they have for the real stadiums too…
I.e the SCG might be the small size, Marvel a medium, and MCG large…
But I doubt they all have the their individual dimensions (like Norwood with its straight wings!)

 

[GoldbergsGold]

Has to be a ChatGPT job otherwise whoever did this really needs to find a hobby lol

They probably did it to get a funny reaction from the Big Ant forum or here.

 

[FearTheBeard13]

They probably did it to get a funny reaction from the Big Ant forum or here.

Tbh it’s funny enough over there watching some of those muppets tell others to be patient and not ask for any information…….because that worked so well last time

 

[Ambrose Burnside]

Tbh it’s funny enough over there watching some of those muppets tell others to be patient and not ask for any information…….because that worked so well last time

If YoU aSk NiCeLy ThEyLl AnSwEr

Yeah keep telling yourselves that bootlicks

 

[GoldbergsGold]

If YoU aSk NiCeLy ThEyLl AnSwEr

Yeah keep telling yourselves that bootlicks

It's like they're mocking them, too, all BA want to talk about is a "mug".

 

[Treehill23]

Tbh it’s funny enough over there watching some of those muppets tell others to be patient and not ask for any information…….because that worked so well last time

I think a delay is inevitable at this stage
There’s just no way you’d avoid trailers and screenshots this close to release
I’d be shocked if it actually came out on the 8th

Also, what I really don’t understand is the lack of screenshots. No one expects a massive graphical overhaul.
They can edit images and make them look as crisp as possible. Seems odd that there’s only 1 screenshot

 

[FearTheBeard13]

I think a delay is inevitable at this stage
There’s just no way you’d avoid trailers and screenshots this close to release
I’d be shocked if it actually came out on the 8th

Also, what I really don’t understand is the lack of screenshots. No one expects a massive graphical overhaul.
They can edit images and make them look as crisp as possible. Seems odd that there’s only 1 screenshot

It definitely seems like a delay is incoming. I just have to laugh at how the marketing has only gotten worse and on the heels of one of the worst sports game launches ever, you’d think they’d actually try to win some interest back into your product.

I could understand Rockstar not promoting GTA VI because of what GTA V has achieved, it sells itself. But come on, AFL 23 was horrible when it launched and these blokes still have their noses and ears in the clouds.