It’s hard to believe that FIFA 23 is a final hurrah. After this year’s installment, the partnership between Electronic Arts (EA) and FIFA is over. Unfortunately, a rather ugly monetization system isn’t going away with it.
After more information on FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) came out, EA confirmed that the controversial FUT Packs (AKA loot boxes) will still be in FIFA 23. A section on the official website briefly mentions packs, so anyone hoping for otherwise is probably disappointed. In a statement to Eurogamer, an EA spokesperson explained why FIFA 23 still has loot boxes.
“We wholeheartedly believe that Ultimate Team and FUT Packs, which have been part of the game for more than a decade, are a part of FIFA that players love – fans love that the game reflects the real-world excitement and strategy of building and managing a squad. Giving players the choice to spend if they want to is fair,” EA said. “It’s worth saying that spending is entirely optional in our game, and we do not encourage spending over earning rewards through game play. FUT Packs work in just the same way whether they are paid for or earned, and most players don’t spend in game at all. For example, nine out of 10 FUT Packs opened in FIFA 22 were earned.”
That’s that, I suppose. It’s a shame FIFA 23 didn’t follow Overwatch 2’s lead.
Last month, the UK government (almost) took action against loot boxes but ultimately deemed the system isn’t gambling. Other countries around the world might not agree, though.
Written by Kyle Campbell on behalf of GLHF.