Spear Interactive and Pyramid Lake Games have announced a new partnership with K12 Licensing that will bring more than 400 real high schools into Varsity High School Football, a project positioned as the first high school football video game. The agreement taps into K12 Licensing’s nationwide network to include officially represented teams from across the United States, featuring real school identities, logos and uniforms. The experience is built around open gameplay, rivalries and the Friday night atmosphere that defines high school football, while not including player likenesses.
The game is being developed as a simulation-style football title with modern visuals, licensed equipment and a deep dynasty mode. On the field, motion matching animation is used to create a more natural feel whether players are just getting started or building out top recruits. Dynasty Mode centers on running a program both on and off the field with a focus on winning a state championship while managing relationships with players, parents, coaches, boosters and the local community over multiple seasons. Players can work their way up from coordinator roles to head coach through a detailed coaching carousel, starting at smaller programs and aiming for national recognition.
Spear Interactive owner Eric Spearin said the partnership represents one of the final steps in delivering a true high school football experience, noting the support and patience from the community during development. He added that bringing real schools into the game creates a level of connection that has not been seen before in sports gaming with plans to include any school interested in participating regardless of size.
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K12 Licensing, a division of the Collegiate Licensing Company, has spent more than 25 years representing thousands of high schools, state associations and the National Federation of State High School Associations. The organization works with schools across all 50 states to help protect and grow their brands through licensed merchandise. Director Brandon Tucker said high school football plays a major role in communities across the country and called the partnership an opportunity to bring that energy into gaming. More than 400 schools have already committed early, with that number expected to continue growing ahead of release.
Published: May 1, 2026 11:00 am