Electronic Arts (EA) and developer Velan Studios have announced Knockout City, a multiplayer dodgeball game.

As stated in the press release and on the official website; the game is part of the EA Originals label, and tasks players into the wackiest multiplayer dodgeball matches. Players can duke it out in 3v3, 4v4, or free-for-all matches in casual Street Play or ranked League Play, or Private Match modes. Players can also join a Crew with up to 32 friends to dominate the competition.

All players start the match the same, meaning skill is the main factor in trouncing their opponents. The game is described as “easy to pick up and play, but practice is key to mastering positioning, timing and teamwork for dodgeBRAWL dominance.” 

Players will need to employ passes, charged throws, perfectly timed catches, trick shots, and fakeouts to win. You can even turn into a ball so your allies can hurl you at foes, or charge up an Ultimate Throw for a massive instant-KO explosion.

Players can also nab Special Balls with a variety of effects. Bomb Balls eventually explode, while the Cage Ball turns opponents into balls to be hurled at their allies, or off the stage. Players can also customize their appearance in a variety of ways.

On launch the game will have a limited time free trial on all platforms, and the full game will be available. The game will have five multiplayer maps, an “interactive environment” to hang out with a Crew and practice, six ball types, full character customization, cross-play, cross-progression, and all of the above modes and features at launch.

Those who purchase the full game (priced at $19.99 USD) during the free trial can transfer all their progress, and gain additional cosmetic rewards. A closed beta will also begin February 20th to 21st on PC in North America and Europe. You can sign up to it here.

Knockout City launches May 21st for Windows PC (via Origin, and Steam), Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S via backwards compatibility.

You can find the announcement trailer below.

Image: Knockout City official website