Player Progression Is Coming! Here’s How It Will Work
Exciting times are ahead for MFL as we’re preparing to launch a core feature that will revolutionize player management and development…
Player Progression Is Coming! Here’s How It Will Work
Exciting times are ahead for MFL as we’re preparing to launch a core feature that will revolutionize player management and development. After months of designing sophisticated algorithms and mechanisms, we are thrilled to have finalized a model that reflects real-life progression while being perfectly tailored to our ecosystem.
We wanted to share information about how it will all work well ahead of its launch (expected in Q4 of this year) in order to give everyone a chance to dive in!
The below is a summary of the player development model. If you want a more comprehensive explainer, head to our updated whitepaper.
Main Components
Let’s start by introducing the key elements of the model, including a new hidden attribute in Prime Age.
📈 Potential
Each player is assigned a hidden Potential (POT) attribute when generated (yes, your players already have one!). POT represents the highest possible OVERALL (OVR) rating they can achieve. It ensures player growth remains unpredictable and intriguing, maintaining a sense of discovery.
🗻 Prime Age
Prime Age is when players reach 80% of their potential, provided their career management is optimal. This age is hidden and generated randomly, adding realism by mirroring peak performance years seen in real-world football.
🧪 XP Distribution
Players earn XP through training and participating in matches. XP is divided among the player’s attributes, ensuring every attribute can evolve while keeping an emphasis on the most important ones for their primary position.
1️⃣ Unique Progression Paths
Players will have unique development arcs, even when their Prime Age and Potential are the same! The amount of experience points (XP) needed for an attribute to level up can change over a player’s career, ensuring each player’s development remains exciting and engaging.
Different career paths for “identical” players (same starting attributes, age, potential and prime age) with the same training and playing time.
How Can Players Progress?
That’s an easy one: By training, and by playing matches.
⚽️ Playing Matches
Players earn more XP the more they participate in matches. Other than their playing time, high match ratings can see players earn bonus XP, while low ratings reduce XP earnings.
Regular starters (who play in about 80% of their team’s matches) can expect to receive full match XP. Not to worry, rotation players will also get their fair share, with players who participate in about 35% of matches, for example, still being able to earn 80% of XP with full training.
More info on the updated Player Development section of the MFL whitepaper.
🏋 Training
Regular training is crucial for player development. Players participate in daily team training sessions, earning XP by working on their skills. Initially, a single automated training mode will be available, with future iterations allowing managers to tailor their training regimens.
What Can Hinder Development?
There are a few things to consider for optimal player progression!
🙄 Talent Gap
Players significantly better than their teammates or opposition will experience slower progression. Training with lower-quality teammates or playing against weaker opponents provides less developmental challenge, reducing the XP earned.
For example. a player with a +15 OVR difference over the opposing team’s average OVR will suffer a significant penalty, only earning approximatively 63% of the XP — and that’s provided that player gets full XP in training!
Want more maths? Check out the updated Player Development section of the MFL whitepaper.
👴 Aging
As players age, their ability to earn XP diminishes, particularly after reaching 30 years old, slowing down their progression.
💪 High OVR and Rarity Changes
The higher a player’s OVR, the harder it is to progress further. Making the jump from one rarity to another will also be slightly more difficult than normal.
By combining training, match performance, and inherent player potential, we ensure each player’s growth feels organic and varied. This system rewards skillful play and strategic management while maintaining competitive balance. You’ll get the chance to maximize your players’ potential while you lead your team to success!
The advent of Player Development will mark the start of a new era for MFL. One that will bring a new level of excitement and strategy to your managerial journey.
PS: Want to get more technical? We’ve updated the whitepaper with a ton more info about how player development will work exactly.
➡️ Check it out!
By Lucas on July 12, 2024.
Exported from Medium on March 19, 2026.
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