Building on the rip-roaring success of 2021s Xbox Game Studios derby which saw Rare face off against Playground Games, 2023 is super-sizing the soccer-based shenanigans in the name of SpecialEffect! This year, 24 teams from across UK game development studios will descend upon St. Georges Park in the heart of England on Wednesday, April 26, and play around-the-clock football to raise money for charity.

This ambitious event has grown in size significantly since the heady days of 2020, when the first footballing face-off was a FIFA match between Rare and Playground. That graduated into a real-life football match in 2021, and has now evolved into a multi-studio, many-hour effort, with all proceeds going to gaming charity SpecialEffect.

We know what youre thinking: how does this work? How tired will their legs get? Who will score the worldies this year? Will it be available for your viewing entertainment? Well, dont worry: weve got all the crucial information for you right here.

From 6pm UTC on Wednesday, April 26, two of the 24 teams will kick the game off. All 24 teams taking part including squads from Rare, Playground, EA and Sumo, to name a few will be assigned a team colour: red or blue. Each teams stint on the pitch will last the full 90 minutes, with all teams representing either the red or blue side. Every goal scored by each team will contribute to an epic battle between red and blue, with the final whistle and scoreline being settled at 6pm UTC on Thursday, April 27.

You dont have to take our word that its happening, though youll be able to tune into the match in all its glory live on Xboxs Twitch channel. Its set to be a feel-good, goal-packed, football-focused bonanza of an event, with a multitude of special guests and no doubt a few surprises too. Gav Murphy will be reprising his role as lead commentator and will be joined by a few other familiar faces for commentary duties, so watch this space for more information on the pitch-side line-up.

Were genuinely thrilled to have had such incredible support from a multitude of studios across the UK, and we cant wait for the teams to come together both on and off the pitch to raise money for such a brilliant cause. SpecialEffectis a charity that focuses on helping people with physical disabilities to play video games. For many people, games are a vital form of recreation and games likeSea of ThievesandForza Horizon 5 have a particular role to play in connecting gamers with additional needs.SpecialEffectuses innovative technology to make gaming accessible to all.

Make sure you tune in on Wednesday, April 26 for fun, fundraising, and a healthy dose of competition betweenthe 24 participating studios. Rivalries will be born, heroes will be made, and friendships will be forged on the immaculate plastic turf of the Sir Alf Ramsey pitch at St. Georges Park. We cant wait!