EA Sports FIFA, better known as FIFA, has evolved leaps and bounds since its first iteration in 1994. Though largely successful, it is not without its fair share of criticism. There have been countless complaints from its player base ranging from its lack of innovation, exorbitant monetization, and even going as far as releasing the “same game” but with a different name every year.

However, let’s not get ahead of ourselves; FIFA has indeed grown, and who knows what direction it will take in the future since drop its partnership with the world’s football governing body after 30 years. As someone who has played FIFA 09-11, and once again from FIFA 16-22 (yes, you can now question my video game purchasing choices), I love the franchise to death, and updated iterations of FIFA are my go-to games. Though it’s not exactly the most accurate football simulation game out there, it’s the most authentic and fun:

With this in mind, let’s check out how the franchise has evolved recently:

Evolution has been slow and left wanting

Much like innovations in the sport, like the slow rollout of VAR (video-assisted referee), evolution in the FIFA franchise has been going at a snail’s pace. The last five years haven’t been that eventful, considering the focus has been more on FUT (FIFA Ultimate Team) and on-pitch improvements. Sure, the action on the field feels more complex, and you’re more in control of your team, but I can barely tell the difference between FIFA 18-22.

Manager Mode improvements

Although However, EA did introduce a plethora of new content over the years. There are on-pitch immersion improvements, like new on-the-spot commentary like injury reports from another correspondent.

You could say I’m solely a Career Mode player; I have no interest in FUT or other modes. With that said, there have been several additions in recent editions. For example, you can now create an avatar of your manager, who then appears at negotiating tables, talking to players and agents. They also appear in media interviews and even on the pitch, reacting to game events and celebrating with players who score.

Moreover, EA also implemented a few improvements in the last two FIFA games, like introducing an improved Youth Academy and player development mechanics and the ability to create your team. I’ve enjoyed the latter so much; guiding a team from the fourth tier of the English football pyramid to the premiership feels better than using Chelsea or Man U from the get-go. FIFA 23 will introduce new mechanics to Career Mode on both the player and manager aspects, and we’re excited to see where it goes.

VOLTA

Another significant addition to the FIFA games is VOLTA, which is essentially street futsal. Instead of the formal national team or club competitions, it takes the form of fun and informal hip-hop and neon light-laden competitions. I don’t particularly care for it, but it does possess the allure of creating your VOLTA team player and full customization, along with a new way to play the sport, so it’s an incredible experience.

Women’s Teams and World Cups

Back in the day, FIFA released World Cup games as separate titles. Today, they come in post-release content, which will be the fate of FIFA World Cup 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

Although it’s too much to ask for a whole qualification experience, like having all national teams available and pre-world cup competitions, we’ll get the entire 2022 and 2023 experience. Fingers crossed, we’ll see all Qatar, Australia, and New Zealand venues.

Overall, it would be unfair to say that FIFA is the same game every year. Albeit minor, there have been tweaks and new additions gradually. Plus, anyone who has purchased any of the recent games is bound to have hundreds of hours of pure football action. FIFA 23 will arrive on September 30th, but if you’d like to get a preview, check out FIFA 22 on Steam, or if you have a PlayStation console, see Playstation game deals to see some of the best deals.