We now have the first details of EA SPORTS FC 24, and one of its main novelties is that the Ultimate Team mode will allow for mixed football matches, with both male and female players. This is news that has offended many, and Electronic Arts has a solution: if it bothers them, don't play Ultimate Team and spend time with Kick Off.
Recently, IGN had the opportunity to speak with members of EA Sports about the launch of EA SPORTS FC 24. One of the topics they discussed was mixed football in the Ultimate Team mode of this football installment.
In the conversation, John Shepherd, EA's executive producer, acknowledged that they considered there would be grievances about featuring mixed football in Ultimate Team. That being said, he reminded that it is a mode that aims to create fantasy teams, and that including female football in it can have a positive impact on the growth of the sport.
"It's something we really thought deeply about. We feel like we can play a really meaningful role in the growth of the sport by presenting it to all of our fans. We have this conviction that we believe that we want to unite the world through football," said Shepherd. "Ultimate Team is a place for that. It's a mode where you can create your fantasy team with different nationalities, different leagues, different clubs, and I think it's a great spot to be able to do that."
According to the executive, EA SPORTS FC's goal is to unify "billions" of fans through football. That's why they want it to be an ecosystem that welcomes anyone who enjoys football. That's why they decided to integrate female football into Ultimate Team.
Later on, he mentioned that those looking for an experience closer to the football we see on television can have fun with Kick Off, a mode that features the virtual version of real teams.
"There are other game modes, like Kick Off, where it's more about that club playing against another club. But Ultimate Team for us is a mode where you can have a mix of players and build the best team. And we think that's going to be great for football, and we think it's going to be great for our fans and our future fans. That's what I would say," he explained.
On the other hand, Sam Rivera, senior producer of EA SPORTS FC 24, pointed out that Ultimate Team has had fantasy elements for years: "Ultimate Team is a fantasy mode. You don't see Mbappé playing with all the Icons. It's Ultimate Team: fantasy football is what happens there."
And you, what do you think about Shepherd and Rivera's statements? Are you excited about mixed football in Ultimate Team? Let us know in the comments.
EA SPORTS FC 24 will debut on September 29 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
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