Kultspel i kris: "EA Sports FC" under kritik

Once a celebrated game for all football fans, currently a debacle for Electronic Arts (EA) and football enthusiasts: With the rebranding "EA Sports FC", the video game developer seems to be dismantling its former institution and significantly minimizing the anticipation for the upcoming 2026 edition.

With the "FIFA" series, Electronic Arts had a real box office hit in its portfolio until 2022. Every year, the game developer launched a new version that blended real-life football and the digital gaming experience. While fans could replay their favorite games on PC or console, the coffers of FIFA, the global governing body of international football, and Electronic Arts rang. But where there's a lot of money, problems are never far away. When it came to renewing the license for the FIFA title in 2022 and new negotiations on terms were scheduled, the views and goals of those responsible diverged sharply. Instead of a compromise, a clear break followed: the end of the successful "FIFA" series was sealed.

Nevertheless, Electronic Arts wasn't about to simply give up and felt a certain sense of obligation to its long-standing customer base. The idea of producing a comparable game was quickly decided upon. The launch was celebrated under the new name "EA Sports FC 24," marking the completion of the rebranding of a classic computer game.

Deficiencies on the pitch

The community praised the courage to defy the football governing body's strictures upon the release of the new franchise. But three years later, the excitement has faded, as the flaws in the new series are hard to ignore. Although EA touts a realistic gameplay and comprehensible simulation, fans criticize the sluggish gameplay. Features like the goalkeeping game are also hardly enjoyed by gamers. Whether a third-division team or a top player is in goal, the differences between the developed characters are barely noticeable.

Another shortcoming is the playstyle option. Originally intended to enhance comprehensive strategies for attack, defense, and midfield in the game, the impact of individual skills was so strong that weaker teams had little chance of scoring or winning. Balanced gameplay sounds different! Once an all-time favorite, the football game has long since lost its former glory.

Despite many changes and increasing criticism, some things have remained unchanged with the rebrand: The game still features big names and well-known teams. Undoubtedly, top clubs like FC Bayern Munich are once again part of "EA Sports FC." Just like in the Bundesliga or Champions League, where betting on a team comes with good odds, Manuel Neuer's team enjoys great popularity on the digital pitch. Liverpool FC, Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Borussia Dortmund are also available in the game.

Improvement or stagnation: the future decides the game

Whether the 2026 version of "EA Sports FC" will be improved remains to be seen. The new version is expected to launch in September 2025 and will once again boast expanded features and extensive seasonal events. However, it remains to be seen whether the fan base will once again be captivated or will slowly but surely turn their backs on the digital playing field. Electronic Arts should therefore effectively utilize the remaining opportunities.