FIFA: A Reflection

            For those that love the game of soccer, there is another option to experiencing it besides actually playing on the field. For a long time, that option has been through video games, and most popularly, FIFA. Each year, EA comes out with the current edition of the game, updating simple things like players and squads, but also, the experience and features grow each year. Although this is a steady process, and the change from year to year is minimal, from the first edition of the game, FIFA International Soccer, to the newest, FIFA 15, the change is drastic.
            The first game, for example, only had the ability to play internationally with national teams, as the FIFA name would suggest. Now, playing with club or even MVP teams is probably the most used part of FIFA. Also, other features absent from the early games are commonplace in FIFA and pretty much all sports games of recent. Game modes like the option to create your own player and play a season are well enjoyed by many players. Now, you can start from scratch, making a player and working through his career, playing at different teams if you choose. Also, you can choose to play as a real player, such as Messi or Ronaldo, and start from where they are in their career and go from there. Also, the improvement of graphics, looks, and feel continues to amaze me from year to year and especially looking over time.

            The realism of in-game tactics also grows, and the variety and depth of features are often unused as they are just too much for more casual gamers. However, these features aren’t forced, so many go unused. Some of these options are actually quite useful, though, such as mentality (like attacking or defending mindset) or set piece tactics (like free-kick plays). These features add to a much more realistic, knowledge-of-soccer based game, and it appeals to many who enjoy soccer analysis or just following their favorite teams. Also, online play has increased in new editions, allowing for players to play against other people, but they don’t have to be in the same room. Creating your own team with FIFA Ultimate Team is another fun way, making your team by buying players from all teams, winning games to build your team to be the best. This feature is also available to play online with.

            Besides the development of games, TV’s, and any other graphics improvements made to video games over the years, the change in FIFA throughout its years represents more; the changes and growth of the game itself. As soccer in the world, and mainly in the US, has grown dramatically over the last decade and more, the growth in FIFA mirrors that. While it may just seem like cumulative changes to a video game, EA needs support and an interest in the game to improve and grow the game and keep producing it. This is exactly what the world gave it; a hunger for a true soccer experience to be played off the field. And one of the most successful markets for the game, in the US, was necessary for this growth in the game. Looking back, the changes and growth in the seemingly insignificant topic of FIFA directly shows the growth and demand in the world of soccer, and I can only wonder where it will go next.