Blood Bowl is an adaptation of the table-top miniature-based game of the same name. It is played as a turn-based strategy game played as a American football-style fantasy sports title and is different from the releases for other platforms. You control a team of sixteen players, of which eleven are allowed on the pitch at any time. The goal is to get the ball over your opponent's touchdown line either by running it into the end zone or throwing it to someone who catches it there. There are eight races each with their own units and tactics: Chaos, Dwarf, Goblin, Human, Lizardmen, Orc, Skaven and Wood Elf.

The single-player game modes include a Quick Game option using 56 pre-set teams, and the main Championship option which has you playing your way through fifteen tournaments. The multi-player game modes are Wireless/Ad-Hoc two-player games or a Hotseat mode where both player share a single device taking turns. As you do this, you build up your own team of unique players, which you can save out for local Wi-Fi head-to-head multiplayer or Cup and League games against the computer.

In addition, inducements allow you to set up dirty tactics for the match. Using your cash you can bribe refs to gain extra dice rolls. Potions can be bought, which are Blood Bowl’s version of drugs, and to give yourself bonuses you can hire crowds to cheer for you. All these affect the outcome of dice rolls.