Sokker Manager, or Sokker, is a free-to-play browser-based, MMOG simulation developed in Poland. Sokker was launched in February 2004 and, opposed to the traditional text-based result systems, it was one of the first successful sport simulation games to offer a graphical animation interface using Adobe Flash technology to view matches as they are happening in real-time. As of July 2007, Sokker has over 55,000 users representing 90 countries across the globe.
International Appeal and Availability
Due to its availability in 90 countries across six continents, users from across the world come together to interact in the world of Sokker. Each country has their own community forum index where people can come together to discuss topics ranging from gameplay to general discussion.
Leagues
The complete list of current national leagues:
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Bulgaria, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Northern Ireland, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Wales.
Languages
Sokker is available in 25 different languages including:
Bosnian, Bulgarian, Catalan, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Lithuanian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Turkish.
Gameplay
Getting Started
After registration, each user begins the game with 22 players (enough to make a full A and B squad), a 3100 capacity arena, and $250,000. From there, the user must make decisions about what to train, what coaches to hire, if they will invest in a junior squad, or if they will buy a player from the transfer list, among many other options. The ultimate goal of every user is to field a competitive team and win the division in which you compete. However, a team must be aware of their financial situation at all times and wisely choose their goals (i.e. winning with veterans or training youths).
For a complete look at the rules, see .
The Match Engine
The match engine is the most appealing attribute of Sokker Manager. As many other simulation games have relied upon real-time text results, Sokker allows users to view matches using Adobe Flash. Watching matches helps managers decide what tactics to use and how their team can improve on the field. Also, watching matches allows users to scout their future opponents and counter their tactics.
Players
Players are valued by their level in 8 different skills: stamina, pace, technique, passing, goalkeeping, defending, playmaking, and scoring. Other secondary attributes such as form and tactical discipline are also taken into account.
Players are given orders in each match as to what position they will play. Options include Goalkeeper (1), Attacker (max. 3), Midfielder (max. 5), and Defender (max. 5). These positional orders affect the training that specific players receive.
Tactics
A major feature to be a successful team in Sokker is how wisely a manager chooses their tactics. Managers may completely organize their tactical distribution for all ten outfield players, which is a key element to the game’s popularity and success.
Leagues
Some nations may have as many as seven divisions consisting of a varying number of leagues. Some smaller nations may have as few as three divisions. There are eight teams in every league, each fighting for the top spot in the league to promote to the next divisional level.
Cups & Friendly Leagues
Many teams qualify for their own country’s national cup. National cup matches are played every Wednesday.
Users may also join friendly leagues if they are no longer participating in the national cup. These leagues are organized like other leagues in which points and goal differential are important.
Plus Features
Although Sokker is completely free to play, users are given the option to subscribe to Plus features. Plus does not give extra in-game benefits to subscribers, it only allows them more options to have fun with the game. Plus features include: Emblem, guestbook and club zine; Match kits; Training effects monitoring; Graphs; Shortcut links; Statistics; Unlimited access to view all matches; the ability to create friendly leagues; and other bonuses.
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