With over 300 million copies sold throughout its history , FIFA is a video game that hardly needs an introduction. It even holds a Guinness World Record , being considered the most successful sports game of all time. For many fans of the beautiful game, buying FIFA every year is like a ritual. The quintessential football simulator has had its ups and downs since its inception in 1993, with periods overshadowed by Pro Evolution Soccer , a rival that for years surpassed it in handling and graphics. Throughout this post, we'll discuss the entire history of this franchise , its licensing issues, and the evolution of the titles that make up this enormous video game saga.
FIFA History – The first steps of the saga
FIFA International Soccer (1993)
The origins of FIFA video games date back to 1993. FIFA International Soccer was the first title produced by this franchise. It had the arcade aesthetic of the time, similar to other 16-bit games of the same generation. Originally, the game only featured national teams , and the players did not have real names. It was developed by EA Canada, becoming the first football video game to have an official FIFA license. It was originally released on the Sega Mega Drive, although it would receive several ports a year later.
Despite being released in December 1993, FIFA International Soccer quickly became the best-selling game of that year in some countries.
FIFA Soccer 95
In late 1994, Electronic Arts repeated the formula with FIFA Soccer 95 , a sequel for the Sega Genesis, which, unlike its predecessor, never received a PC version. FIFA 95 used the same aesthetic approach as FIFA International Soccer , meaning it featured an isometric view . The player could control the four players closest to the ball, while the rest would move using AI algorithms.
The big news in FIFA Soccer 95 was the leagues . This second edition of the video game already included La Liga (the Spanish league) , as well as the Premier League , Ligue 1 , Bundesliga , Serie A , and Eredivisie . They didn't have the player licenses, so they had to invent the names. But the game laid the foundation for what it is today. Another very interesting new feature of this title was the penalty shootout. If a match ended in a draw after extra time, it could be decided by this famous lottery.
FIFA Soccer 96
The franchise was thriving. It would have been absurd not to continue investing in this product. And, unlike the 1995 version, this new title would be released on every platform imaginable. It came out for DOS, Sega 32X, Mega Drive, SNES, Sega Game Gear, Game Boy, PlayStation, and Sega Saturn. On some platforms, it was released under the name FIFA 96: Virtual Soccer Stadium . This version featured real-time 3D graphics, although it was only available on the most powerful consoles.
Regarding the common elements of both versions, the players now had their real names . The option to transfer players from one team to another was also included, and a 15-song soundtrack was introduced for the first time, another characteristic element of the IP.
FIFA 97 coins
In June 1996, EA Canada repurposed its recently developed virtual stadium technology to release another title, now called FIFA 97. Its 3D versions looked impressive, but PC and PlayStation players complained about the game's frame rate drops . This was a fairly common issue at the time. The leagues remained, and teams from the USA and Canada were added, complementing the national teams.
FIFA: Road to World Cup 98
The 1998 FIFA World Cup in France lent its title to that year's official football game. EA focused on improving what already existed, enhancing graphics and player customization. More team licenses were added, and for the first time, popular songs were included in the soundtrack.
FIFA 99 coins
The sixth installment added new game modes , improved the graphics, and fixed AI issues. However, it reduced the number of teams . Two new leagues were added, friendly matches were introduced, and the 'golden goal' mode was also launched. Despite being largely a continuation of the previous game, this title was the first to feature Spanish commentary by Paco González and Manolo Lama.
FIFA 2000 coins
With few improvements over its predecessor and mixed reviews, FIFA 2000 , or FIFA Football 2000, began to show signs of fatigue . The game had the FIFPro license , but lost players like Ronaldo , Romario , and Youri Djorkaeff , as well as the ability to play with Pelé in Classic Teams mode. Even so, it sold well. Its biggest criticism wasn't the absence of some of the world's best players, but rather how easy it was to score goals.
It also had a version for Game Boy Color , developed by THQ, which received a pretty poor rating from most of the specialized media.
Second stage. Consolidation and rivalry with PES
FIFA 2001 – FIFA 2004
With the arrival of consoles like the PlayStation 2 , FIFA continued its success. FIFA 2001 followed suit, regaining licenses and improving the game overall. For the 2002 version, Electronic Arts began to clash with Konami , which started to acquire some rights to leagues outside of Europe, such as the Japanese National Team. The JFA (the Japanese FIFA) granted the rights exclusively to Konami. This arrangement would remain in place even in titles following Pro Evolution Soccer 3. FIFA 2002 introduced a new type of control, called ' Freestyle Control ,' which was substantially improved a year later in FIFA 2003.
The 2003 version featured beautifully crafted cinematics and much more detailed commentary than previous games. Shortly after, FIFA 2004 also included second divisions. However, its biggest contribution was 'Off the Ball', a new mechanic that allowed players to control two players simultaneously.
FIFA 2005 - 2007
Starting with FIFA 2003 , many players began switching to PES . FIFA tried to compete with its spin-offs , but Konami was becoming the favorite among many football fans. FIFA 2005 even brought forward its release to avoid overlapping with Pro Evolution Soccer 4 , and this title lived up to the Japanese standard.
Both career mode and the option to create your own player returned . The 2005 title was the last one released for the original PlayStation, and the first for the PSP, although it was published under the name FIFA Soccer.
Starting with the 2006 edition, EA began simplifying the '20', hence that edition was called FIFA 06. It only featured gameplay changes ; everything else remained virtually unchanged.
FIFA 07 should have been the first game in the series to appear on the new generation of consoles. However, Microsoft secured exclusivity for its Xbox 360 , preventing Sony from bringing the game to PlayStation 3. The game was released on Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, Game Boy Advance, and Nintendo DS.
FIFA 08 - 10
Despite gameplay improvements, FIFA's graphics remained very similar since FIFA 2003 , facing a barrier year after year. Although Konami had serious problems obtaining licenses for teams and players, this second phase continued along a very similar path. FIFA 08 was the first to arrive on PS3 and Nintendo Wii . However, many changes were made to improve gameplay, most notably a new passing system , its 'Be a Pro' mode, a new defensive system, and the ability to create your own formations. The goalkeeper also gained a more prominent role in this title.
The next game in the series, FIFA 09 , brought improvements to its online mode . Players could control the footballer during celebrations, and overall, EA confirmed that there were more than 250 improvements over the previous game.
Finally, FIFA 10 arrived with improvements, most notably its practice mode . Here you could practice shooting with the buttons and record your plays. It also had a manager mode and a preseason mode . It would be the last title before the arrival of the new engine.
FIFA Third Stage – Next Gen GamePlay Engine
At the end of 2010, as usual, Electronic Arts released its next FIFA game. It was from this point on that it began to regain control of the market.
FIFA 11 and FIFA 12
FIFA 11 had many improvements that were refined over time. However, the game only fully realized its potential on PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC. On other consoles, the game retained mechanics from the previous era.
Some of the improvements in FIFA 11 included a new graphics engine , the Personality+ system , an incredible passing system, and a Street Football mode (which revived the style of FIFA Street). Goalkeepers were also given more importance, with improved artificial intelligence and the ' Be a Goalkeeper ' mode.
All these mechanics were improved and polished in FIFA 12 , with a new impact engine , better artificial intelligence, greater precision when making movements, and a tactical defense that allows for better ball interception and much more elaborate offensives.
Beginnings of FIFA: Ultimate Team
It was followed, as expected, by FIFA 13 , featuring a second version of the impact engine , a new dribbling system, and more licensed teams than ever before. Up to 500 teams were added to this title, with over 15.000 players . This title formally introduced the FIFA Ultimate Team mode, which had been tentatively added as an expansion since FIFA 09.
FIFA Stage Four – Ignite
Coinciding with the new generation of consoles, FIFA debuted a new engine in FIFA 14. Artificial intelligence took giant leaps forward on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, with opponents now moving in a more organic and human-like way.
Celebrations played a major role in this game, and were also a new feature in FIFA 15 and FIFA 16. During this period, Electronic Arts put a lot of effort into developing FIFA Ultimate Team . They improved its interface, organized charity tournaments, and generally gave this mode more prominence.
Fifth Stage – Frostbite Engine
FIFA 17 coins
Although Konami managed to remove some licenses from FIFA for FIFA 17 , Electronic Arts gave FIFA a run for its money with the Story Mode , called ' The Journey '. This game mode was exclusive to next-generation consoles and consisted of shaping the career of a young prospect, a fictional 17-year-old British player named Alex Hunter . The goal? To get the youngster to his Premier League debut. The Journey's story breathed new life into FIFA . Furthermore, Hunter's story would kick off a trilogy , which would be completed in FIFA 18 and FIFA 19.
FIFA 18 coins
FIFA's 25th anniversary would have been headlined by "The Beast." FIFA 18 would have included Ultimate Team ICONS , featuring a roster of classic footballers from three different stages of their careers. FIFA 18 was also the first FIFA game released on the Switch , but due to technical limitations, it didn't run on Frostbite , unlike the previous generation consoles, which did see the game, albeit with limitations.
FIFA 19 coins
Alex Hunter's trilogy came to an end in FIFA 19. Gameplay was improved, and more FUT Icons were added to the roster. The game featured many gameplay enhancements and was a great title, but its controversial cover art was the most talked-about aspect.
FIFA 19 was unveiled at E3 2018, held in June. It was revealed there that, for the second year in a row, Cristiano Ronaldo would grace the cover of the video game wearing the Real Madrid jersey . Just a month later, the Portuguese star announced his departure from the club.
And shortly after, in October, EA began removing Cristiano Ronaldo from the cover of the video game . This was due to an alleged sex scandal involving the Portuguese star, which was dismissed soon after. Ultimately, FUT ended up featuring Paulo Dybala, Kevin De Bruyne, and Neymar on the cover, after this dizzying rollercoaster ride. Later, some EA executives admitted that they removed CR7 from the cover to give prominence to other stars , using the aforementioned scandal as an excuse.
Recent FIFA Games – FUT and FIFA Volta
FIFA Volta. Street games to haggle to the monotony of FIFA
Since FIFA 20 , the quintessential football video game series has tried to reinvent itself. Electronic Arts knows full well that its audience is loyal and will buy the game religiously, but the casual audience comes and goes, representing a large part of the market.
Therefore, FIFA 20 included FIFA Volta , a new game mode inspired by the FIFA Street series . This new mode begins by inviting the player to create their own character. Once this step is completed, they can play matches in 3v3, 4v4, and 5v5 groups. There is a wide range of rules, and this new section of FIFA was very well received. Having found the right formula, EA put even more effort into this mode, which would arrive improved in 2021 , attracting an even larger number of players. FIFA 21 brought a somewhat more arcade-style FIFA Volta , with a strong emphasis on aerial play and greater rewards for button dexterity. In addition, its cooperative mode was redesigned, allowing players to form a squad with friends or join a random match with online players found in the lobby . This gave FIFA Volta an even more street-style feel , maximizing the experience with customizable moves, touches, and its 23 stadiums located in cities around the world. FIFA 22 also refined this mode somewhat, introducing a new points system and adding a new ' Volta Arcade ' mode. However, the majority of the new features were included in the previous edition, which remains one of the biggest draws of this successful video game franchise.
FIFA Ultimate Team. The most popular mode in FIFA
What began as an extra feature in FIFA 15 has become one of the cornerstones of the FIFA universe . FUT is every football fan's dream. In this mode, you can create your dream team , without limitations, within your custom club. The mechanics of Ultimate Team have grown in complexity over the years. There are multiple variables, such as player rating , which will determine their skill on the pitch. Then there's chemistry . Placing several players who have played together at the same club or who share the same nationality are fundamental attributes for strengthening team synergy . A team without chemistry will maintain its base stats. On the other hand, increasing this attribute will boost the abilities of the team members. The process can be done in many ways, and you'll have to replace more than one manager or change some players' positions to improve the affinity between them and thus create the perfect team.
Despite the great work that goes into FUT, it's also the most controversial mode in FIFA . To access this game, you'll need coins , initially purchased with real money. With these coins, you'll buy packs , which essentially function like loot boxes . These packs will contain new player cards, and you'll most likely get players with low stats.
Thanks to transfer market, the player can get rid of those players that he is not going to use, receiving coins in exchange for invest in new envelopes. The dynamics of FUT are in the crosshairs of many organizations that study pathological gambling. This game has also been banned in
some territories that restrict video games with loot boxes, considering a danger when directed at minors.
Withdrawal of licenses and possible abandonment of the FIFA brand
Electronic Arts and Konami have always had a tug-of-war over licenses. In FIFA 20 , Juventus was an exclusive club in eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer . A huge blow for players. This continued until FIFA 22 , where the Serie A club maintained an exclusivity contract with Konami for their eFootball 2022. Since FIFA 20 , the Italian team has been called Piemonte Calcio . Camp Nou also had exclusivity with the Japanese company, joining Roma, Atalanta, and Lazio, which withdrew their licenses from EA Sports.
Many of these deals have caused a stir around EA Sports. Electronic Arts has renewed its agreement with FIFPro , the players' association, guaranteeing the use of player image rights in its franchise. However, FIFA itself has doubled the price for using its brand . According to the International Federation of Association Football, its objective is to expand the FIFA brand, allowing other developers the opportunity to work with its identity.
EA Sports has already considered changing the name of its successful franchise in order to avoid the new price hike imposed by FIFA after almost 30 inseparable years of working together.
Special versions and spin-offs of FIFA
These are all the special versions and spin-offs that have been released so far of FIFA.
FIFA Mobile
This title has existed since 2016 and is released for iOS, Android, and Windows . It was announced at Gamescom that same year. The first game in the series was called FIFA Mobile 17. Since then, it has had a new version every year. Almost the entire gameplay revolves around FIFA Ultimate Team.
The gameplay of this mobile spin-off is good, but many players constantly complain that it's pure pay-to-win . Furthermore, players suspect that the game's matchmaking system groups players who haven't spent money on the game with those who have, making it nearly impossible to win without playing Electronic Arts' game.
FIFA World Cup
Since the 1998 World Cup, Electronic Arts has released a new bonus game for each FIFA World Cup . The titles released so far are as follows:
- World Cup '98
- 2002 FIFA World Cup
- 2006 FIFA World Cup
- 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa
- 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
FIFA UEFA Euro
In a similar move to the previous one, EA bought the rights to the European Championship in 2000. Only 3 titles were released, corresponding to the European Championships of 2000, 2004 and 2008. Starting in 2012, it was added within the game of the same year.
FIFA Street
Without a doubt, the best FIFA spin-off in history. In 2005, FIFA Street brought street football to PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube . The game focused on feints, touches, and dribbling, teaching a new way to play football and emphasizing freestyle.
A year later, Electronic Arts followed suit with FIFA Street 2. The 4-on-4 gameplay remained, but ball handling and tricks were enhanced . In 2008 , FIFA Street 3 was released for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. This time, EA Sports Big seemed to overdo the formula.
Four years later, Electronic Arts rebooted the franchise with FIFA Street (2012) . The game gained in variety and control. Even so, this gameplay system wouldn't shine again until years later, when EA revived the idea and created FIFA Volta.
Other titles
- FIFA Superstats: was a game developed by Playfish and EA for Facebook. It was released in 2010 and stopped being available in 2013.
- FIFA World: It was a free-to-play MMO based on FIFA 14. It lasted just over a year.
- FIFA Online: There were four editions of the FIFA video game released exclusively for the Asian market.