EA Sports FC 25: Major Gameplay Overhaul Revealed

Electronic Arts' soccer simulators, particularly EA Sports FC 25, have faced significant criticism, not just for their monetization strategies but also for their technical shortcomings. In response to the backlash, the developers have introduced a comprehensive "Gameplay Refresh Update" that includes over 50 modifications to the game's mechanics. These changes encompass:

• Significant alterations to core gameplay systems such as assists, shots, goalkeeper play, and defense play.
• Rectification of frequent scenarios where defenders unrealistically caught up with ball carriers.
• Enhancements for smoother gameplay during attacks, making ball movement more fluid.
• Reduction in the frequency of reverse tackles and AI interceptions.
• A notable decrease in the effectiveness of crossing passes.
• Quicker player support when playing in familiar roles.
• Improved offside detection for AI-controlled offensive runs.
• Slight improvement in the accuracy of normal and aimed shots from outside the penalty area under simple 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. The community has expressed frustration over what they perceive as Electronic Arts' greed, alongside numerous bugs and crashes, and issues with PlayStation controller recognition.

Moreover, the game's incompatibility with Steam Deck due to its anti-cheat mechanism adds to the list of technical grievances. These challenges highlight the ongoing struggle to balance game improvements with player satisfaction and technical reliability.