Among all the video game series out there, FIFA by EA Sports undoubtedly belongs to the hall of fame. Its history dates back to 1993, believe it or not. After 30 years of insane success, EA has recently announced its demise.
To commemorate this iconic series, we’re looking into the history and legacy of FIFA. One of the notable features that set FIFA apart from any other soccer video game out there is the licensing. You could even get Premier League odds from the game to try your hands on virtual betting!
Although it’s the same licensing aspect that “killed” the series, the legacy will always be a legend. Let’s get right to it.
The Early Years
The early years of the FIFA video game series (1993-1999) were a period of rapid growth and innovation. It all started with FIFA International Soccer in 1993. At that time, the series set a new standard for football video games!
It quickly became a crowd-favorite because each subsequent release in the 90s brought quirky enhancements. FIFA 96, for example, was a game-changer. It introduced real player names for the first time, thanks to the licensing deal with FIFA.
The same game also utilized EA's "Virtual Stadium" engine for more realistic graphics. The next version, FIFA 97, improved the polygonal player models and an indoor soccer mode.
A major milestone during this era was FIFA: Road to World Cup 98. In case you never played it, it offered much-improved graphics and a complete World Cup mode with qualifying rounds!
This was basically the title that solidified FIFA's reputation for delivering an immersive football experience. The yearly releases during this period were eagerly anticipated by fans and each new game was met with excitement for its advancements in gameplay and realism.
By the end of the 1990s, FIFA had firmly established itself as a leading sports video game, with increasing sales reflecting its growing popularity among football fans. The series' focus on realistic simulation and continuous improvement set the stage for its dominance in the sports gaming market.
The Growth Years
The next decade began with FIFA 2000, the game that introduced Major League Soccer and classic teams. While it received mixed reviews due to minimal improvements over its predecessors, it was definitely a big step in diversifying the game's content.
FIFA 2001 was a major breakthrough in graphics because it offered unique player faces and online play for the first time. It’s a feature that has since become standard in the series.
The subsequent releases continued to build on this foundation. FIFA 2003, for example, enhanced the gaming experience with better ball physics and the Club Championship Mode.
Then there was FIFA 07, which brought realism to a new level with improved AI and natural reactions from the audience. The introduction of the Be a Pro mode in FIFA 08 allowed players to control a single player on the field.
The series' focus on realistic gameplay, continuous improvement and the introduction of new modes and features kept it at the forefront of the sports gaming market.
2010s to 2022: The End of the Era
Since 2010, the FIFA series by EA Sports has continued to innovate, introducing features like 360-degree player control, realistic game physics and the inclusion of women's teams.
Major advancements in AI and graphics have further enhanced the realism and immersion of the games. Notable releases like FIFA 20 introduced VOLTA Football, which brought street soccer into the series.
In 2022, EA Sports announced the discontinuation of the FIFA series after FIFA 23. As the article already hinted, this decision is the result of licensing disagreements with FIFA, the governing body of football.
However, EA Sports will continue its football games under a new name, "EA Sports FC," from 2023 onwards. Only time will tell if the new series is capable of capturing the essence of its predecessors.