Richmond stars Tom Lynch and Nathan Broad test out the new AFL23 game. Photo: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

AFL and AFLW superstars Christian Petracca and Darcy Vescio are the new faces of the official video game of the Australian Football League, AFL 23.

The pair were unveiled as the cover stars of the highly anticipated game at an exclusive launch at Fortress Melbourne on Wednesday ahead of its official release on April 13.

Developed in partnership with Big Ant Studios, AFL 23 is the latest addition to the AFL’s gaming series and is set to deliver incredible action and realism on screens around Australia.

AFL 23 will feature all 18 AFL and AFLW teams and players, with fans able to virtually emulate their heroes at any of the AFL grounds featured in the 2023 season.

00:39

AFL23: The official video game of the AFL

Featuring the fully licensed 2023 AFL Premiership and AFL Women's competitions and over 30 detailed stadiums, it's time to play footy for real

All scheduled 2023 matches will be represented, including the recently announced Gather Round ... A Festival of Footy that will be held in Adelaide next month.

Attended by big-name players and gamers alike, Wednesday’s launch lifted the curtain on the game’s new and exciting features including career mode, motion-captured likeness, realistic game plans and unique player traits powered by Champion Data.

Players can play however and wherever they want – either managing clubs, playing multiple seasons, trading players, playing online or at home with friends.

Players will also be able to put themselves in the game and create their own teams, guernseys and stadiums.

AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial, Kylie Rogers, said the league was excited to unveil the game at last night's launch.

“AFL 23 is an important digital product for the AFL to connect with the online community,” Ms Rogers said.

L-R: Melbourne AFL star Christian Petracca, AFL Executive General Manager Customer and Commercial Kylie Rogers, Big Ant Studios CEO Ross Symons, and Carlton AFLW star Darcy Vescio celebrate the launch of AFL23. Photo: Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos

"We have a bold ambition to have a footy in every home across the nation, and part of that means we have to continue to evolve the AFL experience to suit how people want to play - whether it's at home, or on field.
 
“The AFL has worked closely with Big Ant to build a unique game that best represents our sport and have taken learnings from other sports video games and categories to ensure AFL 23 the most exciting and authentic AFL gaming experience yet.”
 
Big Ant Studios CEO Ross Symons said, "AFL 23 is a passion project for the team at Big Ant Studios. It has been such an honour to work closely with the AFL and all of the clubs to bring this game to life on this latest generation of consoles for the first time.
 
“With direct input from AFL coaches, players and legends of the past, along with cutting-edge technology never before used in an Australian video game production, we can’t wait to get the game into footy fans hands.”

AFL 23 will be available for fans and gamers on April 13, with fans able to pre-order at JB Hi-Fi and EB Games for PlayStation, Xbox and PC platforms to receive exclusive in-game bonuses and early access.

For more information about the upcoming release of AFL 23 video game, visit the official AFL website.