Tag Archives: FIFA

EA Sports FC 26 Preview: Fresh Playstyle Designed to Conquer the FIFA Challenge

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In the expansive office space at EA’s Vancouver campus, numerous people gather around multiple monitors to engage in EA Sports FC 26. Nearby hang soccer jerseys from various global leagues, as staff members monitor the match feed. The players include members of EA’s Design Council, professional athletes, influencers, and devoted fans, who frequently join to play, pose questions, and offer feedback on new updates. These councils have been active for years, but their insights are being taken more seriously than ever for this third iteration of the EA Sports FC series, the successor to EA’s FIFA franchise.

Let’s delve into the game for the journalists invited here. Insufficient response for EA Sports FC 25 emphasizes that addressing user feedback is the priority. EA has launched a new player feedback portal and a dedicated Discord channel for fans to voice their concerns. Additionally, developers have implemented AI-driven social listening tools to track discussions about EA Sports FC across platforms such as X, Instagram, and YouTube.




EA Sports FC 26 – Manuel Neuer pulls out saves. Photo: Electronic Arts

“There were so many different groups working on feedback across EA that we were overwhelmed by the individual teams in the game,” explains lead producer Joel Doonan. “Now we’re really focusing on it. How can we ensure that people who need to know are getting the right information at the right time and can respond as quickly as possible?”

“There’s also been a shift in the percentage of team resources devoted to our feedback commitment. We have a continuous development team. Currently, ten engineers are dedicated to processing feedback rather than waiting for FC 27. That’s what players expect today.”

Significant changes are genuine surprises. Two distinct play styles are offered: competitive and authentic. The competitive mode emphasizes speed, fluidity, and high scoring, capturing the rapid gameplay of classic FIFA titles while omitting elements like player fatigue. It directly influences online competitive modes such as Ultimate Teams and Clubs. Conversely, the authentic mode serves as a pure simulation aimed at offline players, characterized by slow build-up play and realistic outcomes.




EA Sports FC 26 – Rush Stadium Photo: Electronic Arts

“I’ve wanted to do this for some time, but other areas took precedence,” states Sam Rivera, production director for gameplay. “It’s clear, based on feedback, that it’s impossible to satisfy everyone with a single gameplay experience. Some players prefer simulations, while others desire more responsive experiences that let AI take on more roles instead of just assisting with specific actions. We’re now better positioned to support both in ways that align with different community needs.”

The dribbling feels tight and fluid, allowing for increased directional freedom for players. When in a scoring position, there’s a new feature that enables users to double-tap the shoot button for a powerful low shot, as opposed to simply lofting the ball. Goalkeeping mechanics have been enhanced with smarter positioning, utilizing new reinforcement learning AI, to minimize the chances of the ball being sent back to the offensive player. Likewise, defensive tackles will see less rebound, while attacking players will benefit from improved ball shielding.

The development team seems to have drawn inspiration from contemporary games and genres. The new archetype feature in Club and Player Career Modes lets players design and create individuals across 13 types (including categories such as Magician, Recycler, Boss, etc.). This is reminiscent of character classes in RPGs, allowing players to earn experience points throughout their careers and upgrade stats. Additionally, the Manager Live Career Mode allows you to lead head coaches through multiple seasons, pulling from live service inspirations like Fortnite. Weekly challenges occur throughout the year, encouraging players to set targets, such as topping the Christmas league. Some features are inspired by real-life sports unpredictability. During the demo presentation, Pete O’Donnell, Design Director of Career Mode, highlighted an intriguing scenario: a food poisoning outbreak affecting the Italian Serie B team Salernitana at the end of the last season. Will the team handle the sudden epidemic before a crucial playoff match?

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The most beloved aspect of the game, Ultimate Team, has received an array of new features. The controversial Panini sticker-style fantasy football mode allows players to create teams by opening randomized digital packs, where competitors engage in live tournament modes with linked competitions throughout the season. A new feature called Bounties introduces players to randomized challenges like “scoring first/last goal” and “maintaining a clean sheet,” ensuring that even in a losing online match, players still receive rewards. Additionally, Gauntlets present a rapid live event requiring competitors to complete a five-match series, with each match demanding a different player from the team.

I believe that the focus on user feedback serves as a timely PR strategy, much like the authentic design principles. The game’s recent launch trailers spotlight gameplay footage rather than flashy cinematics. The underlying message is, “We’re listening to you, stay with us.” Timing is also crucial; in June, FIFA launched a competitor for the casual mobile title, indicating they may collaborate with developers on a more refined football simulation ahead of next year’s Men’s World Cup. EA Sports has been in this arena for several years, but the window may be narrowing. Fan support for EA Sports FC 25 is invaluable.

EA Sports FC 26 will be available on PC, PS5, Xbox, and Switch on September 26th.

Keith Stuart attended a press conference for EA Sports in Vancouver alongside other journalists. Travel and accommodation were provided by Electronic Arts.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Not Just Another Football Game: Fear FA 98 – A Spooky FIFA 98 Mashup

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sBacon with ice cream, pilchards and custard, Elm… Allison Hammond alongside Dermot O’Leary—these bizarre combinations prove that the oddest pairings can be delightful. However, no one seems to have imagined merging Silent Hill with FIFA 98 before.

Dubbed the “world’s first online survival horror football game,” Fear FA 98 (pronounced horror-FA, akin to FIFA), utilizes knives, rusty scissors, syringes, summons demons, and turns severed heads into footballs, allowing you to perform like Diego Maradona with his infamous “handball.”

The world’s intestines are ignited with insatiable fear… Fear FA 98. Photo: Celery Emblem/Jacob Jazz

“I claim it’s just football, but it’s more than that,” says Jacob Jazz, a 55-year-old solo developer. “I’ve blended survival horror games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil with FIFA and Efootball’s Eleven gameplay. [Pro Evolution Soccer in the UK]. You must play soccer to progress in the storyline of this classic survival horror game.”

The storyline unfolds as follows: the Earth’s core transforms into a massive, twisted snake nest due to an event called Transmaylet, marking the onset of a monster invasion from a forbidden civilization. Now, the world’s insides are fueled by endless terror—just like the atmosphere at Old Trafford, with the Manchester Derby on the horizon. Various game modes will include single-player, third-person horror, story, competitive, and online. In any mode, you can equip your team with serial killers, sectorians, and psychotic nurses to compete in stadiums such as Backroom, Sematary Hill, and Chainsaw United. This is certainly no ordinary kickabout in the park.

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Fear FA 98 took a year to develop, achieving its Kickstarter goal of €5,000 (£4,300) ahead of its anticipated Halloween 2025 release on Steam. If Jazz can secure further investments, ports for Switch, Xbox, and PS5 may follow. The standalone tie-in, Nike Mare 98—featuring zombies playing soccer in Nike trainers—is already available for download on PC.

With 17 years of game development under his belt, Jazz has previously created the Baobabs Mausoleum Horror series and the 8-bit retro adventure Flamingo’s Creek, which can be found on Steam, Xbox, and PS4. His upcoming project, the horror game Tamarindos Freak Dinner, is set to release soon. Fear FA 98 could elevate his presence in the gaming industry significantly.

Horror FA 98 is set to launch on PC this fall.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Creating a New Competitor to EA Sports FC: Exciting News for Gamers from FIFA

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TTwo years ago, Electronic Arts’ long and lucrative relationship with FIFA fell apart, leading EA to create a new brand called EA Sports FC for the soccer simulation series. FIFA president Gianni Infantino grumpily declared the search for a new developer, stating, “the only real game that bears the FIFA name will be the best for gamers and soccer fans.” Given EA’s extensive experience in producing mainstream soccer simulations over two decades, the challenge for FIFA to find a competitive studio seemed daunting.

News now surfaces that the world soccer federation has teamed up with 2K Games for a new FIFA game, potentially launching later this year. A tweet from Ghanaian retailer MohPlay claims they have signed a deal with 2K Games, confirming earlier rumors about FIFA’s partnership with 2K.

This collaboration makes sense as 2K has significant experience in sports games like NBA 2K, NFL 2K, WWE 2K, TopSpin 2K, and PGA Tour 2K. Moreover, the PGA license was acquired by 2K after EA’s relationship with them ended a few years ago, showcasing their track record in this space.


PGA Tour 2K23. Photo: 2K Games

However, a new FIFA game this year seems unlikely. Even if 2K were to start immediately in May 2022 when EA’s FIFA relationship ends, they would have only two years to build the team, develop the game, digitize players, motion capture, and model stadiums.

Player reactions vary, with many welcoming competition from EA’s franchise, especially considering Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer brand’s decline. On the other hand, 2K Games has faced criticism for heavy monetization in its games, particularly in the NBA series where players can buy advantages with real money.

It’s exciting to see a new independent contender emerge in the market, reminiscent of classic soccer games like Sensible Soccer and Kick Off 2, or even early 3D titles. Games like Sociable Soccer are interesting, but the hope for something entirely new, fun, fast, and quirky remains, much like the unique concepts introduced in golf simulation games by What the Golf and Desert Golfing. The future of soccer gaming holds promise for innovation and creativity.

Could the revival of classic soccer game ideas like the ZX Spectrum classic Subbuteo or licensed games by retired pros become a reality? Fans of nostalgic and unconventional soccer games eagerly await what the future holds beyond the realm of multi-million dollar tournament licenses and microtransactions.

What to Play


Galactic Care. Photo: Brightrock Games

If you’re longing for the days of humorous resource management games, Galacticare by Brightrock Games will bring you nostalgic joy this summer. Acting as a space-themed hospital, the game challenges you to build a hospital to care for extraterrestrial patients with unique ailments. The game’s forgiving learning curve and cartoonish style prioritize enjoyment over strict business practices.

Available on: PC, PS5, Xbox
Estimated play time: 30+ hours

What to Read


Helldivers 2. Photo: Sony Computer Entertainment

  • Helldivers 2 has been a major success this year, with GamesIndustry.Biz featuring an interesting interview with Arrowhead Games, the creator of the game. The interview sheds light on the challenges faced by the company, particularly in handling the repercussions of immense success on its staff’s wellbeing. CEO Johan Pyllestedt expresses concerns about the threats and disrespect received by the studio, highlighting the darker side of the gaming community.

  • Another interview delves into the vision of Neil Druckmann, the head of Naughty Dog Studios, who aims to redefine mainstream gaming with his next project. The interview corrects misconceptions about his previous statements, emphasizing the intent and context behind his words.

  • Activision has confirmed the title for this year’s Call of Duty game, Black Ops 6. Details will be unveiled at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 9th, followed by an in-depth stream.

  • An upcoming book titled Playing with Reality: How Games Shape Our World by neuroscientist Kelly Clancy offers a comprehensive exploration of the role games have played throughout history. From medieval games to modern-day simulations, the book promises an intriguing perspective on the impact games have on society.

What to Click On

Question Block


Genshin Impact. Photo: HoYoverse

A reader named Ants poses an interesting question:

“We often hear that the video game industry is bigger than the movie and music industries, driven by higher unit costs of video games compared to movies or music albums. As a video game journalist, have you come across reports that validate this claim?”

While the argument has some merit, it overlooks important factors. Each video game sale can translate into multiple players, amplifying the financial impact per copy sold. Additionally, the rise of free smartphone games like Candy Crush and Genshin Impact, catering to billions of gamers worldwide, challenges the notion of high unit costs for games. The media’s focus on gaming revenue versus film or music earnings oversimplifies the rich diversity and cultural value of games into a financial lens, lacking depth and nuance.

It’s hoped that the industry coverage will evolve beyond revenue figures towards a more holistic understanding of the gaming landscape, emphasizing creativity, innovation, and cultural significance over financial metrics.

If you have a question for Question Block or feedback on the newsletter, feel free to reach out by clicking “Reply” or emailing us at pushingbuttons@theguardian.com.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Against My Better Judgment, I’m Back Playing FIFA as Jones

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I I fell off the wagon recently. It took two and a half years, but all it took was one small mistake on his part. One night at home, it was offered to me. It was a little complimentary flavor that drove me crazy. Before I knew it, I was hooked. I know that sucks. I know it has no purpose other than to make me do more and get more money as I fall deeper and deeper into the quagmire of addiction. But there I was. I’m back to FIFA. (It’s EA Sports FC 24 to be exact, since it lost the official rights.)

It was a 10-hour free trial of Xbox Live. 10 hours is fine, I told myself. It’s just a taste. Let’s see what happens after 30 months. And before I knew it, I was hooked on Ultimate Team again. This is the equivalent of the game where you stand outside your ex-wife’s house and try to see what toys your new wife bought your kids.

The Rolling Stones’ Angry is the demo theme song. of course. Two bloated money making entities that should have been stopped years ago. (Actually, I like their last album, but I don’t have time to get sentimental about punchlines.)

“I’m mad,” Mick Jagger sings, “Don’t be mad!”

Never in my life have I felt like a game spoke to me so much.

Score again…EA Sports FC 24. Photo: Electronic Arts

What’s telling is that organizations outside of FIFA have made little progress. It is true that there are slight differences in the mechanics of the ball. The chemistry side seems more dull. There’s a weird phenomenon where the camera zooms in on the player inside the box, seemingly for no other reason than to cause a panic attack, but the basic controls are the same. Women are also participating with equal status, which is welcome. There are also new variations of shiny players, specifically heroes, or enhanced older players who were already icons in the game. However, the heroes have cards drawn in the style of Marvel superheroes, which means Steve McManaman is “AGENT MACCA Steve McManaman: Hero”. Galactico. Gentleman. ”

Oh please grow up.

It seems like there are more challenges to upgrade players, but this may only seem that way because I joined the game late. It also speaks to the fact that I spent most of the 10 hours of the free trial adjusting with the team in the transfer market. I only play about a dozen games. Was it always like this?

I looked online to see the official differences. In EA’s official video, he rants for over three minutes about Haaland’s extremely wide arms and something called his HyperMotion V technology, but I’m not surprised that he uses something called Liposomes to activate his face. It reminded me of his TV commercial for Cream.

If I hadn’t quit, I think I would have spent at least £300 by now to keep playing the same game. Today is Groundhog Day meets House Crocodile. This may be the most Guardian-like piece of writing I’ve ever written.

But no change is the key, right? Provides something familiar. What got you into it in the first place? Woe to programmers who change the mechanics of a beloved game. It’s like going back to cocaine and discovering that it puts me to sleep instead of turning me into a completely selfish, heart-pounding, rattling being.

Look at the energetic athletes welcoming me. What could be the problem? Photo: EA

Series that are updated every year (or games like Marvel Snap that are constantly updated) are lucrative because they give us something familiar. What sets video games apart from other forms of art and entertainment is their constant desire to create something new and contemporary, yet continually reinvent what we already know. It seems ironic that they offer it to us. We watch it again and again, just like we watch Die Hard whenever it’s on TV.

Addiction does not only refer to the high that comes from a poisonous drug. It’s about the framework you give your life. Fill in the gaps you don’t want to deal with. It’s like a parent telling you what to do and when to do it, which is comforting. Certainly not the best parents in the world, but parents who don’t question things until it’s too late. I went to treatment for 5 years to get off cocaine. In fact, I quit cocaine after the first year. It took another four years to stop treatment.

So even though I hate this game and the years and money I spent on it, at the end of the free trial I hover my finger over the button to buy the deluxe version. Of course I want something good. And it’s the easiest drug to get more of. You can use your credit card with just one click. The situation may be different if you had to buy games like illegal drugs. If you call someone and say you want some cake, you meet them in a frigid pub car park. Forget about online microtransactions. Instead, he looks at three clubs before finding someone who will sell him. And it’s only when you get home that you realize you have far fewer games than you intended to buy.

I’m away from Xbox. I didn’t buy the game. But maybe tomorrow.

Source: www.theguardian.com