Will EA's FIFA 25 ultimately deliver on its long-lasting commitment?
EA is back at Gamescom with their flagship title: EA FC 25. The football simulation, which was previously known as the FIFA series, will be released in September. With the game selling millions of copies every year at full price, EA promises a video game that explores new territories while staying true to its roots. It's quite the tightrope act. Gameplay developer Sam Rivera shed some light on EA FC 25's mechanics and cleared up a major misconception in an interview with ntv.de.
In the previous edition, it was the unique skill sets of certain players that enhanced the effectiveness of passes, shots, or defensive actions. This year, the developers are putting all their focus on strategy. They've called it FC IQ and it allows for flexible formation adjustments. New player roles can alter the positioning, running paths, or defensive behavior for the same position.
"To offer an enjoyable experience, the game needs to be responsive. The animations need to appear seamless and authentic. There should be a variety of mechanics that add depth to the game," says Rivera. The new tactical features are expected to build on this. "These will especially appeal to dedicated players who pay close attention to the intricacies of football."
The beta testing phase for the game is currently underway, according to Rivera. "The feedback so far is that there are numerous tactical possibilities, numerous permutations. It's shaping up to be a fun year for those who participate in competitive modes like Ultimate Team."
Worry About Metagame Tactics
You'll also be able to share your unique tactics with other players by creating a unique code. This raises concerns about a metagame tactic - one that's particularly effective and becomes widespread - dominating the game and making it dull because everyone uses it. "We have better tools now to combat that," says Rivera. Competitive players often attempt to exploit certain tactics for an edge. "The basic formations will become more important, and there will be ways to counteract that. We have a live team that collects feedback from the beta and looks for anything that's 'overpowered' and adjusts accordingly."
Critics have long accused the game of being scripted and having an internal momentum. This means that game mechanics would intervene to make up for a deficit even when a player is clearly outmatched. "There's no scripting. There's no momentum," says Rivera. "There are numerous variables that players don't see: Does the ball spin? Does the ball bounce? Is it a direct shot? Is there an opponent behind? How far away is the opponent? There are so many factors to consider even for a simple shot. We bring such real-world variables into our football simulation." In real football, a crucial goal in added time is more memorable than one scored in the 32nd minute.
Another argument against internal momentum is the professional player scene of EA FC. "There's consistency among competitive players," says Rivera. Year after year, a similar group of players remains at the top. "If there was scripting in the game, such consistency wouldn't be possible." Professionals are simply players who've mastered the mechanics exceptionally well and figured out what works best to gain an edge over others.
At this year's Gamescom in Cologne, EA is present to promote their new mode "Rush", which visitors can try out. In the five-a-side game, the new tactical features don't make much of a difference, according to Rivera. "Rush" was indeed enjoyable to test, but it's unlikely to be a game-changer. Whether the new tactical components will ultimately satisfy players remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
Despite the new tactical features in EA FC 25, video games like "Rush" during Gamescom demonstrations suggest that these changes might not have a significant impact on the five-a-side game. On the other hand, dedicated players looking for intricacies in football strategy are eagerly anticipating the new metagame tactics, as they could potentially outperform others.
To prevent the dominance of a single metagame tactic, EA has developed better tools to analyze and adjust game mechanics that become overpowered during the beta testing phase, ensuring a balanced and engaging gameplay experience for all players.
