The official Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 video game was a hit for its straightforward fun and party-game vibe, selling over a million copies despite the real Olympics playing to empty stands. While it didn’t quite offer that deep sim complexity in all events, having access to nearly 20 events made it a fun go-to for casual sessions.
Of course, it was not without its shortcomings. The AI difficulty was too inconsistent, there was no true “Olympic” mode with standout athletes, and some gameplay elements just weren’t all that satisfying. Right now, there’s no real news of an upcoming console video game for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. But if a game like this does release today, what does it need to succeed?
Skip The Drawn Out Load Times
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A modern Olympic title should focus on respecting the players’ time, moving away from the simulation bloat seen in many modern sports titles. Developers should implement the 30-second rule, inspired by the arcade-style accessibility of the official Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 title. Each event should be playable within 30 seconds of selection, and this can be achieved through a minimalist UI that displays only the essential buttons during the countdown.
The devs can also hide load times by introducing asynchronous practice modes. These can allow players to warm up in a digital practice lane while the game loads. This rids us of the boredom of loading screens and might even give some insight into the pre-event routine of athletes.
To perfect all this, developers could add visual mimicry instead of text-heavy manuals that most players find boring and end up skipping. Use ghost overlays, transparent silhouettes of an athlete who performs the perfect movement. This would make the game accessible to all players, removing the language barrier and echoing the international spirit of the Olympic Games.
Revamped Local And Online Multiplayer
As seen with annual sports titles like FC 26 and Madden, the online element is what keeps players engaged. Offline arcade modes are fun for quick sessions, but they can fade fast without competition. A robust online suite, maybe with a seasonal ranked ladder per event, or global events with rewards like nation-themed cosmetics. Squad modes could also be fun for team sports like relay races.
With that said, the local multiplayer game is just as important for a game like this. Tokyo 2020 had this element to a degree, but limiting couch play to two players is almost criminal. With the next game, developers should look to ramp this up to four-player split-screen, making it a great option for game nights.
The game can also be more interesting by introducing dynamic rivalry systems. Implementing a regional heat system, if you are playing in a specific region, the game can highlight players from rival countries or cities. This will simulate the nationalistic pride that fuels Olympic viewership.
On top of this, a spectator mode should be introduced to mirror the Olympic Virtual Series launched alongside Tokyo 2020. It should include professional camera tools, allowing fans to stream and shoutcast matches just like a real televised event. Maybe this is asking for too much, but even if they implement 70% of it, we’ll have a much more engaging game.
Presenting A Better Challenge
The goal is to create a game that anyone can play, but only the dedicated can achieve the Gold Medal. This requires layers of mastery that don’t rely on memorizing complex button combos, as that only makes the game more difficult. For example, in events like the Hammer Throw or Archery, players should have to choose between a safe release that guarantees points or a maximum effort release with high rewards, but frame-perfect timing. This creates the clutch moment tension seen in Tokyo’s high-stakes finals.
Environmental adaptation can be an awesome feature by adding subtle layers of depth through venue conditions. For example, a cyclist might have to manage their stamina differently based on wind resistance or track temperature, factors that were crucial for athletes competing in Tokyo’s heat.
For rhythmic sports like gymnastics or sports climbing, reward players who maintain a streak of perfect inputs by entering flow state. Add audio and visual flourishes to indicate the rewards. This rewards mastery through sensory feedback rather than just a higher score on a screen, which most players would not even be bothered by after a while. Again, we’re not asking to make it as sweaty as FC 26, but there should be some form of challenge.
