Dominik Ebebenge, co-founder of Triple Espresso, embarked on an unconventional career journey. He transitioned from a successful role as Head of Sport at Legia Warszawa, a prominent Polish soccer club, to game development. A long-time enthusiast of the Football Manager series, Ebebenge found himself inspired by his real-world management experiences to create Copa City. This new game is envisioned as a unique soccer management simulation, positioned between the detailed realism of Football Manager and the broader appeal of EA Sports FC.

Ebebenge considers his career path, while `counterintuitive,` to be `absolutely essential` for Copa City. His extensive network within the soccer world proved invaluable in securing funding and licenses that would typically be challenging for independent developers. He humorously noted, `It`s been essential to be able to reach back to all those people that I`ve met and — thank God — left a good impression on.` He emphasizes that this venture is the most ambitious undertaking of his soccer-related career.

Copa City has successfully obtained licenses from major clubs like FC Bayern München and Borussia Dortmund. This achievement is attributed to Ebebenge`s connections and a significant shift in soccer`s perception of video games over the past two decades.

Ebebenge recalls that in the past, soccer clubs viewed gaming as a threat, a zero-sum competition for people`s leisure time. `I believe this has been the wrong approach,` he states, highlighting the now recognized opportunities for collaboration and fan engagement that gaming provides.

This evolved perspective enabled Triple Espresso to secure licenses from top clubs and stadiums across Germany, Brazil, Poland, and England for Copa City.

According to Ebebenge, clubs have shown great enthusiasm for Copa City`s concept, expressing surprise that such a game hadn`t been developed sooner. Their strong support has been a major source of encouragement throughout the game`s development.

Copa City aims to offer a `fresh and new` perspective on soccer, focusing on a different angle of the sport while staying true to its culture. This `tycoon aspect` distinguishes it in a market saturated with soccer games from established publishers. This unique approach is not just about finding a niche; it`s a strategic necessity given the exclusive licensing deals between major soccer organizations and giants like EA Sports. By not directly competing with simulation aspects, Copa City opens doors for an indie developer to secure valuable licenses.

`From the start, we didn`t want to be seen as a lesser version of existing soccer games,` Ebebenge clarifies. `Instead, we chose to complement the current soccer gaming landscape. We`re not in direct competition. Copa City`s focus begins where EA FC`s ends.`

The absence of match simulations and comprehensive club management in Copa City was crucial in gaining club partnerships. Ebebenge explains that including these elements would have been a `no-go` for many clubs, despite their interest in the game`s core concept.

Ebebenge acknowledges the challenge of effectively communicating Copa City`s unique focus to players. `We`re committed to being transparent about what Copa City is all about.`

Despite the game`s defined scope, feature and mechanic discussions within Triple Espresso have been `very heated`. The team`s collective experience in professional soccer has been instrumental in shaping these discussions and establishing a solid foundation for gameplay design.

Copa City`s pioneering approach to exploring a different facet of soccer is both its strength and potential challenge, according to Ebebenge. Development involved significant trial and error, streamlining elements that didn`t translate well to gameplay and enhancing aspects that, while less critical in reality, improve player engagement.

Ebebenge expresses hope that Copa City will evolve into a franchise or at least inspire expansions. The team has numerous ideas for additional features that are currently beyond the game’s initial scope.

For Ebebenge, a defining moment in development was integrating audio into the gameplay. `It sounds simple,` he says, `Soccer is visual, but equally audible. Hearing the game with sound for the first time was a revelation, bringing an unavoidable smile.`

Emphasizing authenticity and immersion, Triple Espresso aims to recreate real-world soccer experiences in Copa City. `We want to provide that real world experience by presenting real venues in real cities with real landmarks with real clubs,` Ebebenge states.

From Warsaw`s national stadium to Berlin`s Olympiastadion, Copa City will allow players to impact recognizable locations, locations easily found on Google Maps. Securing licenses for these real-world elements, typically difficult for indie studios, was facilitated by Triple Espresso`s existing industry connections, saving time and resources.

While Triple Espresso couldn`t compete financially in negotiations, they successfully conveyed a vision to partner clubs: `together we can do something meaningful and impactful that will result in great revenues.` This strategy includes plans for club-branded physical editions, directly appealing to fans and leveraging club promotion to broaden the game`s reach.

Strategic partner selection also played a key role. Germany, a major market for management games and soccer, along with Brazil and England, were key targets. FC Bayern München`s early commitment boosted confidence and facilitated subsequent negotiations, creating a positive momentum.

Copa City aims to appeal to a diverse audience, from dedicated Football Manager players to casual EA FC fans with a fondness for tycoon games. The cancellation of Football Manager 25 presents an unexpected opportunity, though Ebebenge, a fan himself, expresses no joy in Sports Interactive`s misfortune. He views the situation as a friendly rivalry, acknowledging the `vacuum in terms of attention` it creates for Copa City.

Ultimately, Ebebenge hopes Copa City will establish its own lasting legacy, envisioning a game that connects generations of soccer and gaming enthusiasts. While acknowledging darker aspects of soccer fandom, Copa City primarily aims to celebrate the sport`s positive and celebratory essence.

Copa City is scheduled for release on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S in 2025.