EA SPORTS FC: EA's new franchise explained

Why was FIFA 23 the last FIFA?

In 2022, EA parted ways with FIFA, football’s governing body, as a new licensing agreement between the two parties could not be reached. Consequently, EA announced that its widely popular FIFA franchise would be renamed to EA SPORTS FC, as stated in an official release on their website. This change also marked FIFA 23 as the final game in EA's franchise under the FIFA name. With the release of EA SPORTS FC 24, the franchise has now continued under its new identity.

When is the EA SPORTS FC release date?

EA SPORTS FC 24, the inaugural game under the new name, was released on September 29, 2023. Although there is no official release date for EA SPORTS FC 25, we can predict a release window based on previous EA football game launches. Following the pattern, EA SPORTS FC 25 is likely to release on September 27, 2024, or October 4, 2024.

EA SPORTS FC 24 is out now!

Ready to experience EA’s brand new franchise? Pick up one of our official EA SPORTS FC 24 gift cards and kick off your first match today!

EA SPORTS FC™ 24

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

£69.99

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "69.99", "url": "https://startselect.com/gb-en/ea-sports-fc-24-xbox-one-xbox-series-x-s/70516" }

EA SPORTS FC™ 24 Ultimate Edition

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

£99.99

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "99.99", "url": "https://startselect.com/gb-en/ea-sports-fc-24-ultimate-edition-xbox-one-xbox-series-x-s/70526" }

 

Game modes in EA Sports FC

Over the years, FIFA fans have cherished game modes such as Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Pro Clubs. Which of these game modes have been retained in EA SPORTS FC?

Ultimate Team

Naturally, the fan-favorite Ultimate Team mode is featured in EA SPORTS FC. The mode has undergone several updates in EA FC 24, including the significant additions of women’s football and a new feature called PlayStyles (signature abilities that make players more unique). These new additions allow you to build your squad around your favorite players more effectively.

Get the most out of Ultimate Team with FC Points

Looking to give your Ultimate Team squad a boost? Check out our FC Points cards and instantly start packing your favorite players.

EA SPORTS FC™ 24 5900 FC Points (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

£45.49

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "45.49", "url": "https://startselect.com/gb-en/ea-sports-fc-24-5900-fc-points-xbox-one-xbox-series-x-s/70523" }

EA SPORTS FC™ 24 12000 FC Points (Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)

Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S

£87.99

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "87.99", "url": "https://startselect.com/gb-en/ea-sports-fc-24-12000-fc-points-xbox-one-xbox-series-x-s/70528" }

£50 PlayStation Gift Card

Digital code

£50.00

{ "@context": "http://schema.org/", "@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "50.00", "url": "https://startselect.com/gb-en/playstation-network-card-50-pound/26124" }

 

Career

Career mode has been retained in EA SPORTS FC, with a split between Manager Career and Player Career experiences. Manager Career introduces a Total Management System with Tactical Visions and Coaches for precise club management. In Player Career, new options, such as PlayStyles and Player Agents, provide a unique player creation and path selection experience.

Clubs

Pro Clubs has been renamed to Clubs in EA FC, with changes in the game mode, including a new Clubs league format with seasons lasting approximately 6 weeks and a Club Reputation system. PlayStyles allow for further customization of your Virtual Pro, and cross-play is now available in Clubs.

VOLTA Football

VOLTA Football remains a part of EA SPORTS FC, retaining its focus on street football and futsal. The mode now benefits from the League season from Clubs, providing opportunities to earn VOLTA COINS for purchasing the latest gear. Cross-play is also available in VOLTA Football.

Does EA SPORTS FC have real players?

Yes, EA SPORTS FC features 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums, and 30+ leagues. This allows you to continue playing with real football players from genuine teams and leagues. Moreover, EA SPORTS FC 24 is the only game featuring all of the following leagues and competitions:

• UEFA Champions League
• UEFA Europa League
• UEFA Europa Conference League
• CONMEBOL Libertadores
• Premier League
• Bundesliga
• LALIGA EA SPORTS
  
  

Is EA SPORTS FC the same as FIFA?

While the franchise’s name has changed, EA SPORTS FC feels familiar compared to previous FIFA games. This is partly due to keeping all the popular game modes and having official licenses for leagues, tournaments, clubs, and players. Additionally, EA has reassured fans through an official statement that everything they loved about the FIFA games will continue to be part of EA SPORTS FC.

New features in EA SPORTS FC

Although many familiar features and gameplay from FIFA games have been retained, EA FC introduces several new features to enhance authenticity and realism. HyperMotionV technology captures player and ball movements more accurately, and a new PlayStyles system uses real-world data to dimensionalize athletes based on their abilities. EA SPORTS FC runs on EA’s enhanced Frostbite Engine, delivering more realistic player models and matchday experiences.

Is EA SPORTS FC free?

No, like previous FIFA games, EA SPORTS FC follows a yearly release schedule with paid games. Despite rumors about the FIFA franchise going free-to-play, EA SPORTS FC maintains the traditional release pattern of previous FIFA games, suggesting no switch to a free-to-play model in the near future.

What will happen to the FIFA franchise?

Now that EA and FIFA have ended their partnership, what's the fate of FIFA and the FIFA franchise?

In a 2022 official statement, FIFA revealed that the FIFA series will continue with a new developer other than EA. FIFA announced a switch to a non-exclusive model, allowing different developers to work on various titles under the FIFA name. FIFA President Gianni Infantino assured that the FIFA name would remain authentic and the best available for gamers and football fans. However, no further information on FIFA's next projects has been disclosed since this announcement.