Building on the rip-roaring success of 2023 One Big Game 2026 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 Thursday, August 13th, 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 you're 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 3pm UTC on Thursday 13th August, two of the 24 teams will kick the game off. Each teams stint on the pitch will last the full 90 minutes, with all teams representing either the North or South side. Every goal scored by each team will contribute to an epic battle between North and South, with the final whistle and score being settled at 3pm UTC on Friday 14th August.

You don't have to take our word that its happening, though you'll be able to tune into the match in all its glory live on Xbox's 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.

We're genuinely thrilled to have had such incredible support from a multitude of studios across the UK, and we can't wait for the teams to come together both on and off the pitch to raise money for such a brilliant cause. SpecialEffect is 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 like Sea of Thieves and Forza Horizon 5 have a particular role to play in connecting gamers with additional needs. SpecialEffect uses innovative technology to make gaming accessible to all.

Make sure you tune in on Thursday 13th August for fun, fundraising, and a healthy dose of competition between the 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. George's Park. We can't wait!