EA Sports FC 25: Major Gameplay Overhaul Revealed

Electronic Arts' soccer simulators have long been under scrutiny, and not just for their monetization strategies. The technical aspects of these games have also come under fire, leading to widespread criticism. In response to the backlash against EA Sports FC 25, the developers have taken decisive action by rolling out a "Gameplay Refresh Update." This update encompasses over 50 modifications to enhance the game's mechanics. Key changes include:

• Significant revisions to core gameplay systems such as assists, shots, goalkeeper play, and defensive strategies.
• Addressing common issues where defenders unrealistically caught up with the ball carrier.
• Enhancing the fluidity of attacking plays, making it easier to maneuver the ball.
• Decreasing the occurrence of reverse tackles and AI interceptions.
• Significantly reducing the effectiveness of crossing passes.
• Improving player responsiveness when playing in familiar roles.
• Enhancing offside detection for AI-controlled offensive runs.
• Slightly boosting the accuracy of normal and aimed shots from outside the penalty area in straightforward conditions.

Despite these efforts, only 36% of the 474 player reviews at the launch of EA FC 25 were positive, indicating a predominantly negative reception. Players have expressed frustration over what they perceive as Electronic Arts' greed, along with numerous bugs and crashes. Additionally, issues with recognizing PlayStation controllers have drawn significant ire.

Further compounding the game's challenges, EA Sports FC 25's anti-cheat system has made it incompatible with the Steam Deck, limiting its accessibility to a popular gaming platform.