Rugby League 26

On 14 June 2025, the National Rugby League (NRL) announced that the game would launch on 17 July with the game having 'updated visuals' and 'better realism'.^[3] Eight years after the release of Rugby League Live 4 in 2017, Rugby League 26 was released to mostly negative reactions from both fans and professional NRL players. Upon launch users reported significant issues including login problems and gameplay bugs. Many players expressed their frustration on social media platforms. In response, the studio issued a public apology.^[4]

NRL Women's Premiership player Kennedy Cherrington vented frustration saying that the company could have done more and should have consulted with the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA).^[5]

It was reported that some of the issues regarding player likenesses came from availability when developers attended various clubs, with further scans to be scheduled.^[6] The RLPA also issued a statement asking that further "involvement and inclusion" was required.^[6] The NRL also attracted criticism for the role played by chairman Peter V'landys and his son in the testing of the game before release.^[6]

Reports indicated that the NRL expressed frustration with the game's release and explored the possibility of partnering with a new developer, specifically Electronic Arts, known for producing NFL and other major sports video games. However, with estimated development costs between $50–60 million, the NRL ultimately decided against the partnership and continued with Big Ant Studios.^[7]

Big Ant Studios CEO Ross Symons responded to the criticism and said that the demand for the game was six times higher than expected, suggesting that the game had outsold other video game franchises during its launch window.^[8]