Home / FIFA / From Pixels to Perfection: The Evolution of EA Sports FIFA Video Game

From Pixels to Perfection: The Evolution of EA Sports FIFA Video Game

The EA Sports Football series, more commonly referred to as FIFA has grown to become one of the most popular video games over the last three decades. Football as a video game: This genre can be traced back to the early 1990s when the football simulation game was launched, and it has become one of the biggest franchises of all time.

The development of FIFA can be regarded as a process of increasing the level of technology used, signing the licensing agreements, and enhancing the realism level which has attracted millions of fans across the globe.

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These codes can give the user huge discounts and can also give the user certain benefits within the game similar to how FIFA points can enhance the FIFA gameplay.

The Early Years: FIFA International Soccer (1993)

FIFA series was initiated in the year 1993 and the first game of the series was FIFA International Soccer. It was a sports video game developed by EA Sports, and this was a big improvement from the previous games in the same genre. It had an isometric view, a step ahead of the side view or bird’s eye view that was standard for football games at the time. The game did not use actual players or teams, as this was not allowed owing to licensing issues; however, it provided the foundation that was to make the company a leading gaming giant.

Although FIFA International Soccer had problems, it was a money maker and well-received by the public for its graphical and playing innovations. This success in its early years made EA Sports seek licenses that would enable the inclusion of real teams and players, a characteristic that would define this series in subsequent years.

The Move to Realism: FIFA 96 to FIFA 99

In the late 1990s, the FIFA series underwent a major change in its development. FIFA 96 was the first of the FIFA games that used the names of real players, this being possible due to EA Sports having acquired the rights from FIFPro, the international players’ union.

This addition of real players brought in some realism that was not there before and therefore enhanced the interest of the game among players as well as football enthusiasts.

FIFA 96 also brought changes in the graphics of the game, including the use of 3D graphics which was a very significant improvement than the 2D sprites used in previous games. After that came FIFA 98: Road to World Cup, which is, to this day, one of the most popular in the entire series.

FIFA 98 had all the teams that participated in the 1998 World Cup together with all the national teams available at the time thus enabling the player to make the minnows into World Cup champions.

FIFA 99 was already released when the series was already considered as the most realistic football simulation game. The control system, graphics and the artificial intelligence of the game had been enhanced and it was the most realistic football game in the market.

The 2000s: New Features and Online Mode

The popularity and development of the FIFA series in the early 2000s kept on increasing as the games became more challenging. It is worth mentioning the change that took place in this period, and that is the ability to play games online. From FIFA 04 onwards, players were able to play against other people from different parts of the world, meaning that there was added competition and persons with whom you could interact.

Online option became the core part of the FIFA series and opened the door for the FIFA Ultimate Team which is now one of the most extensive online game modes in the world.

Another important innovation was the career mode, which enabled the players to control a team through different seasons. This mode increased the game’s popularity because it incorporated the aspects of being a football manager and a player on the field. Players could now manage almost every aspect of the game, including tactics, transfers, player development, and finances, thus making the game even more realistic.

FIFA Ultimate Team: The Development of Microtransactions

FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), introduced in FIFA 09, can be regarded as the most important development in the FIFA series. At first, it was available as downloadable content. FUT enabled players to create their own dream teams using cards of real players, which could be bought in packs or from other players using real money. The mode was an instant hit and was the best part of the game, as it was enjoyed by many people.

FUT’s success also signified the start of microtransactions in FIFA games. It also offered packs that could be bought with FIFA Points that players could buy with real money, hence creating an additional source of income for EA Sports.

However, this model has been considered to be rather successful for EA, and at the same time, it has raised a lot of concerns and discussions regarding the use of microtransactions and their effects on the game.

The Pursuit of Perfection: FIFA 10 to FIFA 20

The FIFA series kept on enhancing realism and improving gameplay in the 2010s. The franchise introduced a new feature called 360-degree dribbling in FIFA 10, which made the players move more fluidly and accurately. This was followed by enhancements of the player’s artificial intelligence, the tactical aspect of the game, and animation, which made every new version of FIFA better than the previous one.

FIFA 17 also introduced another new feature: The Journey mode. This story-based mode featured the career of a particular player, Alex Hunter, giving a narrative experience that was uncharacteristic of sports games. The Journey was praised and was a nice addition to the FIFA franchise.

When FIFA 20 was released, football games had become the face of the FIFA franchise. The game was very realistic, with high-definition graphics and realistic player movements, and also provided a number of modes for the players. Nevertheless, the series was not without controversy, especially regarding microtransactions in FUT and the absence of new ideas in yearly releases.

Conclusion

The growth of EA Sports FIFA video games is a clear testament to the power of innovation and football. From the early days of a football simulation game to the present-day gaming giant FIFA, FIFA has always strived to redefine the limits of video games. It is always fascinating to think about the future of the series as technology keeps evolving and how it will engage more people across the globe.

About David Molina

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Dedicated gamer and occasionally likes to write a thing or two about his favourite video games.

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