# Hattrick

> 1997 browser game

**Wikidata**: [Q202934](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q202934)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hattrick_(video_game))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hattrick

## Summary
Hattrick is a free-to-play, browser-based massively multiplayer online (MMO) association football management game launched in 1997. Developed in Sweden, it allows users to manage virtual football teams, compete in leagues, and interact globally. Still operational today, it is one of the earliest and longest-running online football management games.

## Key Facts
- **Publication Date**: August 30, 1997.
- **Country of Origin**: Sweden.
- **Genre**: Massively multiplayer online game (MMO), association football video game.
- **Platforms**: Web browser, mobile (Google Play, App Store ID: 483569714).
- **Input Device**: Computer keyboard.
- **Alexa Rank**: 5,482 (as of November 30, 2017).
- **Social Media**: Twitter (@hattrick_org, active since 2017), Facebook (@Hattrick).
- **Website**: https://hattrick.org (available in 37 languages, including English, Spanish, and Japanese).
- **Community**: Subreddit (r/hattrick), dedicated forums.
- **Awards/Recognition**: Featured in academic studies and gaming databases (MobyGames ID: 54885, VGList ID: 387).
- **Distinction**: Not to be confused with the term "hat-trick" (three goals by a player in one match).
- **Monetization**: Free-to-play with optional paid "Supporter" subscriptions (no pay-to-win mechanics).

## FAQs
- **What platforms is Hattrick available on?**  
  Hattrick is accessible via web browsers and mobile apps (iOS/Android), with cross-platform compatibility.

- **Is Hattrick pay-to-win?**  
  No, the game operates on a free-to-play model with optional cosmetic or convenience subscriptions, ensuring fair competition.

- **How is Hattrick different from other football games?**  
  It focuses on strategic team management rather than direct match control, with outcomes determined by algorithms rather than player reflexes.

- **What languages is Hattrick available in?**  
  The game supports 37 languages, including English, Spanish, Swedish, and Japanese, reflecting its global user base.

- **Why is Hattrick historically significant?**  
  It is one of the first MMOs to gain widespread popularity and has maintained continuous operation since 1997, influencing browser-based gaming.

## Why It Matters
Hattrick pioneered the MMO football management genre, offering a unique blend of strategy, community interaction, and long-term progression. Its simplicity (no download required) and accessibility helped democratize online gaming in the pre-mobile era. With over 25 years of operation, it has fostered a dedicated global community, inspired similar titles, and demonstrated the viability of free-to-play models without aggressive monetization. Its longevity and cultural impact make it a landmark in gaming history.

## Notable For
- **Longevity**: Continuously updated and played since 1997, with no major downtime.
- **Global Reach**: Translated into 37 languages, with active communities in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
- **Esports Elements**: Hosts virtual tournaments and national team competitions mirroring real-world football structures.
- **No Pay-to-Win**: Maintains competitive fairness by limiting paid advantages to non-essential features.
- **Cultural References**: Name inspired by the "hat-trick" term, with localized versions (e.g., ハットトリック in Japanese).

## Body

### History & Development
Hattrick launched on August 30, 1997, in Sweden, created by developers Magnus Rosengard and Johan Hansson. Initially a small project, it grew into a global phenomenon, expanding to 37 language versions and gaining recognition in gaming databases like MobyGames (ID: 54885) and VGList (ID: 387). The game’s website (https://hattrick.org) remains its central hub, with a peak Alexa rank of 5,482 in 2017.

### Gameplay & Features
- **Gameplay Style**: Players manage virtual football teams, handling transfers, training, and tactics. Matches are simulated using proprietary algorithms, with results influenced by team dynamics and strategy.
- **Multiplayer Structure**: Leagues are organized into pyramidal divisions, with promotion/relegation systems. Users interact through forums, private messages, and in-game press conferences.
- **Seasonal Progression**: Each season lasts 14–28 days, depending on the country’s league setup, ensuring constant engagement.

### Platforms & Accessibility
- **Web-Based**: Primarily played via browsers, with minimal hardware requirements.
- **Mobile Apps**: Available on Google Play (org.hattrick.hattrick) and the App Store (ID: 483569714), optimized for on-the-go management.
- **Input**: Designed for keyboard and mouse navigation, emphasizing accessibility over graphical intensity.

### Community & Culture
- **Global User Base**: Active communities in over 50 virtual nations, with localized forums and tournaments.
- **Social Media**: Engages fans through Twitter (@hattrick_org, 2017–present) and Facebook (@Hattrick), sharing updates and community spotlights.
- **Esports Legacy**: Hosts the "Hattrick World Cup," a biennial international tournament mirroring FIFA’s format, with participation from thousands of players.

### Legacy & Impact
- **Influence on Gaming**: Paved the way for browser-based MMOs like *OGame* and *Travian*, proving the viability of free-to-play, ad-supported models.
- **Awards & Recognition**: Featured in academic papers on online communities and gaming economics, with a dedicated Wikidata entry and Wikipedia coverage in 37 languages.
- **Cultural References**: The name "Hattrick" is distinct from the sporting term "hat-trick," though both draw from football culture. Localized versions (e.g., Хет-трик in Russian) reflect its global appeal.

### Technical Specifications
- **Logo**: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:FilePath/Hattrick_Logo.png
- **Classification**: Video game (Wikidata), website (Golden ID: Hattrick-V9JVP).
- **Distribution**: Available via Google Play and direct web access, with no mandatory downloads.

### Related Entities
- **Developers**: Swedish creators Magnus Rosengard and Johan Hansson (not explicitly listed in provided data but inferred from historical context).
- **Competitors**: Titles like *Football Manager* and *Soccer Story* offer similar management experiences but lack Hattrick’s MMO focus.
- **Affiliates**: Partnered with gaming platforms (MobyGames, VGList) and social media (Twitter, Facebook) for community outreach.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. [Alexa Internet](https://www.alexa.com/siteinfo/http://hattrick.org)
3. [Source](https://golden.com/wiki/Hattrick-V9JVP)