FIFA 23 Removed from Sale: End of an Era for EA
Hey there, fellow gamers! Big news in the gaming world: EA Sports has made a bold move by removing FIFA 23 and all previous titles from sale, just days before the highly anticipated release of EA Sports FC 24, the next installment in the series. It’s like they’ve cleared the field, making way for a fresh start.
Goodbye, FIFA 14-23
If you were planning to get your hands on FIFA 14 through FIFA 23, I’ve got some bad news for you. These games are no longer available to buy on digital storefronts like the PlayStation Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, Steam, the Epic Games Store, or EA’s own store on PC. It’s like EA performed a clean tackle and took them out of the game. However, there’s still a tiny glimmer of hope for FIFA Ultimate Team fanatics, as some microtransactions are still up for grabs.
But wait, there’s more! Don’t despair if you already own FIFA games digitally. You can still play them, my friend. EA has simply removed them from sale, but the games are still playable if you’ve got them in your virtual locker.
What’s the Reason Behind This?
Now, you might be wondering why EA made this sudden move. Well, it’s not entirely clear, as there hasn’t been an official statement from the publisher. All we have is a note on the Steam page saying that FIFA 23 is unlisted and won’t appear in searches “at the request of the publisher.” It’s like EA executed a stealth move, leaving us wondering about their motive.
From what we can gather, EA’s agreement with FIFA had some strict deadlines for game distribution. They probably had to comply with certain clauses to prevent selling a competing product alongside FIFA licensed games. It’s like facing a formidable opponent who won’t let you score a goal.
Moreover, rumors suggest that FIFA wanted to double the yearly cost of the licensing agreement, and EA wasn’t on board with that. So, this might be a case of EA deciding to break up with the FIFA brand and explore new opportunities. It’s like a star player leaving a team after a long and successful partnership.
A New Era: EA Sports FC 24
But fear not, my fellow gamers, because EA has big plans for the future. Their successor series, EA Sports FC 24, promises some exciting changes and enhancements to the FIFA experience. It’s like a fresh season with a new coach and some new players.
One of the notable changes is the introduction of mixed-gender teams in Ultimate Team mode. It’s like a game-changer, breaking barriers and making the virtual football world more inclusive. EA has also given the game’s menus a fresh visual identity, making the whole experience feel like a brand new matchday.
But what about the gameplay, you ask? Well, according to our review of EA Sports FC 24, it’s a mix of old and new. The fundamentals remain intact, and the career modes haven’t seen much of an update. It’s like a familiar playing style that you’ve grown used to. However, Ultimate Team is where the real action happens, with new evolutions and the introduction of mixed-gender teams. On the pitch, the gameplay is solid, with extra animations adding to the realism. But don’t expect a complete revolution of EA’s flagship series just yet. It’s like a skilled player who adds a few new tricks to their repertoire without completely changing their style.
The Final Whistle
So, there you have it, gamers. EA has blown the final whistle on the FIFA series with the removal of FIFA 23 and earlier titles from sale. It’s the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter with EA Sports FC 24. It’s like the closing ceremony of a significant tournament, where we bid farewell to the old champions and welcome the new contenders.
If you’re a die-hard FIFA fan, don’t worry. The game may have changed, but the passion for virtual football lives on. So lace up your virtual boots, grab your controller, and get ready for the next match in the EA Sports FC 24 arena. It’s like stepping onto the pitch, ready to show off your skills and conquer new challenges.