AFL 23 is a sports simulation game built around Australian rules football. It places players in control of real AFL and AFLW teams on PC, with detailed modeling of every club and more than 1200 individual athletes captured through photogrammetry and powered by Champion Data statistics.
Gameplay
On the field the action centers on physical contests and quick decision making. Players ride bumps, execute tackles, and contest marks while the crowd noise and calls of commentators such as Anthony Hudson, Jason Bennett, Kelli Underwood, Garry Lyon, and Daniel Harford provide constant audio feedback. The simulation emphasizes the stop-start rhythm of the sport, with contested possessions and set shots forming the core loop.
Off the field the management layer requires list management and draft development. Users allocate resources to improve draftees, adjust training priorities, and prepare game plans. On match day tactical adjustments cover positioning, substitutions, and in-game strategy calls that directly influence team performance toward a premiership outcome.
Game Modes
Season mode forms the main single-player structure. It follows a full home-and-away schedule plus finals, allowing users to guide one team through an entire campaign while handling roster changes and weekly tactics. The mode supports both AFL and AFLW competitions.
Multiplayer options include online PvP matches and shared or split-screen play for local sessions. These formats let players compete head-to-head or cooperate in exhibition-style games without the longer commitment of a full season.
Creation tools sit alongside the competitive modes. Users build custom clubs, edit player attributes, and design stadiums, then share those creations with others through the built-in Academy system.
Academy Tools and Customization
The Academy Tools allow deep editing of team identities, individual player skills, and venue layouts. Changes made here carry over into season mode and multiplayer games, giving users a way to personalize the experience beyond the official rosters. Photogrammetry-based player models remain the foundation, so custom edits layer on top of the verified likenesses and traits.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback on the PC version shows mixed results, with roughly 45 percent of reviews rating the title positively. Many highlight the authentic feel of on-field contests and the value of the creation suite for long-term engagement. Others note the limited number of modes and the absence of deeper career progression options beyond the standard season structure.
The game suits dedicated Australian rules football fans who prioritize realistic player modeling and tactical management over extensive online progression systems. Those seeking a broad variety of modes or ongoing seasonal content may find the package narrower than expected. At its core the title delivers a focused simulation of AFL matches and club management that rewards repeated play with the same team or custom creations.
