The first trailer for EA’s latest FIFA game is here, and fans of the franchise will drool (or dribble) over it.
FIFA 23 marks the end of an era between EA and its 30-year partnership with FIFA. Thanks to high licensing fees, FIFA 23 will be the swan song of the series. Which is a shame considering the leaps and bounds EA has made in terms of gameplay. As well as finally including women’s club teams for the first time.
EA will still be producing an annual football series under the renamed title EA Sports FC, so it’s not too devastating. All of your favorite features will continue under the new moniker, but for now, let’s take a look at what awaits you in EA’s latest FIFA title, which launches on September 30 and is available for pre-order now.
the highlights
Unless you’re particularly nostalgic for the franchise’s name, there’s nothing to be too sad about. Especially with everything FIFA 23 is packing, content-wise. FIFA 22’s Hypermotion technology has been iterated and enhanced with Hypermotion2; women’s club teams are making their FIFA debut; international cups for men and women will be included; and cross-play features will be available in various game modes.
Nick Wlodyka, Senior Vice President and General Manager of EA Sports FC, says FIFA 23 “push the boundaries of realism” thanks to Hypermotion2, utilizing “millions of data points” to create “new animations in real time”. In terms of gameplay, this means that players will have “the most natural and realistic movement in football games and, when combined with the inclusion of men’s and women’s World Cups, women’s club football and cross-play features, will immerse players football players and fans around the world for years to come.”
Not many years, presumably. Once the license has been withdrawn, I imagine EA will want to get people into their new series. It’s also worth noting that, like last year’s FIFA 22, Hypermotion technology is only available on PC and current-gen consoles.
Speaking of women’s clubs, FIFA 23 features the Barclays Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema. There are more than 30 leagues in total, the title being the only one that has the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, CONMEBOL Sudamericana, Premier League, Bundesliga and LaLiga Santander in the same game.
Also new to FIFA is the ability to play both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup, with the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023.
On the crossplay front, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC players will be able to drop cleats, so to speak. While the PS4 and Xbox One versions of the game will be crossplay compatible with each other.
They think it’s all over…
FIFA 23 will close the book on the EA and FIFA licensing deal, but for now, FIFA fans can enjoy the usual annual hype.
The game will be released on Friday, September 30th. Eager beavers can get early access with FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition starting Tuesday, September 27. Of course, there are additional monthly in-game rewards for EA Play members after launch.
You can go to FIFA 23 official pre-order page (opens in new tab) to secure your copy of the game now. There’s a Standard Edition and an Ultimate Edition, each with their own pre-order bonuses, which you can check out below along with pricing:
FIFA 23 Standard Edition
- High-end console and PC version: $59.99 / £59.99 / AU$99.95
- Current console version: $69.99 / £69.99 / AU$109.95
- Week 1 Team Player Item
- Kylian Mbappé Loan Item for FIFA Ultimate Team Matches
- Player’s Pick FUT Ambassador Loan for 3 FIFA Ultimate Team Matches
- Choose from Davies, Son and Vinicius Jr.
- Career mode homemade talent
FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition
- Console: $99.99 / £89.99 / AU$149.95
- Computer: $99.99 / £79.99 / AU$99.95
- Limited time only: FIFA World Cup FUT Heroes Player Item
- 3 days early access
- Dual right (i.e. next-gen and current console versions)
- Player item to keep an eye on
- 4,600 FIFA Points
- Week 1 Team Player Item
- Kylian Mbappe Loan Item for 5 FIFA Ultimate Team Matches
- Player’s Pick FUT Ambassador Loan for 3 FIFA Ultimate Team Matches
- Choose from Davies, Son and Vinicius Jr.
- Career mode homemade talent
Consider PC prices as an estimate for now, as there are several storefronts, and these prices were taken from this handy Steam store pricing page (opens in new tab).
