EA Sports FC 24: TimKalation Column

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TimKalation writes about the start of the EA Sports FC 24 adventure in his new column. Read exclusively at GlobalESportNews!

to find out which two new features stand out for him and why one of them revealed the ugliest side of the community.

So what do we have now? Everything is new in September? At least a little bit every year when it comes to the most successful soccer simulation. Not so involved people like to say that everything stays the same every year anyway. And even if this is objectively partly true, for us lovers of the annual FIFA even small changes in combination with the romantically considered annual starting time are always a feast.

EA Sports FC 24: The era of FIFA successor begins

Now I actually wrote FIFA. Force of habit. But it’s no wonder, since 1993 was the start of the series with FIFA International Soccer. This was also my entry into the virtual soccer of EA SPORTS and so it is not surprising that even the younger ones among us have to get used to the new name.

But why the new name at all? In May 2022, it was announced that EA SPORTS and FIFA could not agree on a continuation of the partnership. The reason, according to unanimous media reports, was that FIFA did not agree with EA SPORTS’ offer of $150 million in annual licensing fees and demanded at least double that amount.

So it came to the end of the partnership and from the actually intended FIFA 24 just to EA SPORTS FC 24.

New name! New game?

So the new name is settled. And inside? It’s basically the usual fare with the usual adjustments to the gameplay and innovations with the most impressive marketing names possible. However, I don’t want to hide the fact that there are two innovations that are particularly worth mentioning. One of them hit brute force and unfortunately brought to light the ugliest side of the community. But more on that later.

New and really influencing the gameplay are the so-called playstyles. These are available in a normal and a more pronounced plus version. Behind them are the characteristics of the players, which are based as much as possible on their real playing style and behavior on the pitch. There are 34 of them and they are already very popular, because they deepen the game experience and give formerly uninteresting players a sudden raison d’être.

The playstyles influence, for example, how fast a player is with the ball, whether he can shoot at goal with a particularly high cut, kicks free kicks much more dangerously, is physically more robust in one-on-one combat, delivers passes precisely into intersections, is particularly effective one-on-one or in defense when blocking shots on goal, or she can perform special tricks.

A polarizing new feature for Ultimate Team

Moment. Player? And here we are with probably the biggest change this year. At the very least, it’s the most talked about. And here, unfortunately, too much of the community shines with behavior that leaves me speechless.

That it’s unrealistic for women and men to be on the court at the same time is a point that can certainly be made. Leaving aside that the selection of players and their changes of values and positions (hello Manuel Neuer as a striker!) have become more and more creative in recent years and have little to do with realism.

At least the men were among themselves on the field. I wonder if this is one of the reasons for the outcry in the most unpleasant form? That women now also appear virtually in what is, for many backward-looking people with outdated views, a classic male domain? Classic male domain. How that already sounds. Women have been playing soccer with great pleasure forever.

The ugliest side of the community

However, as early as 1955, obstacles were placed in the way of their sporting development by the highest authorities. In that year, the German Football Association (DFB) officially banned women’s soccer in their association. I quote: “In the struggle for the ball, feminine grace disappears. Body and soul inevitably suffer damage, and the display of the body violates decorum and propriety.”

This ban lasted for 15 years; until 1970. Unbelievable. Anyone who advocated such a thing should take a critical look at their own self-esteem and character.

I don’t know what leads men to such views. This is too remote for me. With the backgrounds that lead to behaviors that culminate in disrespectful, sexist and derogatory statements, where it is also possible, experts should deal. Personally, I cannot comprehend this and happily embrace this change in the game as a broadening of the spectrum of possible player:s on my team.

It will be interesting to see if the comment columns on the platforms look less hateful towards female players over time. I wish it very much and until then I love to play the opposing defenses dizzy with the ladies as well.

But now I wish you a great time with the game and many victories.

See you soon your Tim.