Interviewer: It’s been a year since EA transitioned from the FIFA branding to EA Sports FC for their flagship football game. How was this change received at launch?
Keith Stuart: The rebrand did see a slight dip in sales—around 5%—but interestingly, profits increased. This was largely due to the success of the Ultimate Team feature, which continues to be a significant revenue driver for EA.
Interviewer: Now, looking at EA Sports FC 25, what differentiates this version from its predecessor?
Keith Stuart: While it doesn’t introduce any groundbreaking innovations, EA Sports FC 25 offers some exciting enhancements. Last year focused on HyperMotion2 animation technology, and this year’s highlight is FC IQ. This feature deepens the strategic gameplay, allowing players to customize their teams and individual players’ approaches. For instance, you can adjust a player’s aggressiveness, like Saka at Arsenal, instructing the AI to prioritize offensive runs over defensive responsibilities.
Interviewer: That sounds like a compelling addition. Can you share more about the gameplay modes available in this edition?
Keith Stuart: Of course! It retains familiar modes like Manager and Player Careers, Seasons, Tournaments, and Clubs. The new standout mode is Rush, which takes over from the previous street football option, Volta. Rush presents a fast-paced five-a-side format that emphasizes quick passes and targeted play. Ultimate Team is back as well, featuring minor updates but maintaining the addictive format that fans love.
Interviewer: What’s the gameplay experience like in terms of graphics and animations?
Keith Stuart: The graphics and animation engine has undergone a significant upgrade, resulting in a visually stunning and immersive experience. Player movements are smooth, with dynamic responses to the ball creating a richer gameplay feel. I played several matches with my sons, and we really noticed how distinct each team felt—attacking with Juventus was a different experience compared to playing with Real Madrid, which was very apparent this time around.
Interviewer: What were some memorable moments for you while playing as the star players?
Keith Stuart: Playing as elite players like Foden, Haaland, or De Bruyne is truly exhilarating. You can really feel their unique traits; for example, Foden’s acceleration is remarkable. There are moments in gameplay where executing skillful moves with players like Jamal Musiala or Aitana Bonmatí feels almost genius-level—similar to the thrill of mastering complex combos in classic fighting games.
Interviewer: Did you encounter any technical issues during your gameplay?
Keith Stuart: Unfortunately, yes. I experienced some graphical glitches, like overlapping HUD text and awkward player collisions during chaotic goal scenarios—it felt a bit surreal, like a scene out of a Cronenberg film. The first-person camera, which lets you see through players’ or even the referee’s eyes, can also be a bit disorienting at times.
Interviewer: Would you say EA Sports FC 25 represents a significant advancement over its predecessor?
Keith Stuart: It’s more of an evolution than a revolution. To fully appreciate the new technical features, players will need to explore the complex pre-match menu systems, which might not cater to everyone. Additionally, Ultimate Team continues to face scrutiny regarding its in-game purchase mechanics.
Interviewer: Lastly, who would you recommend this game to?
Keith Stuart: If you enjoy playing with updated rosters and stats or perhaps missed the last edition, EA Sports FC 25 will definitely keep you entertained for hours. It has high aspirations and, more often than not, meets them. It’s set to launch on September 27 across various platforms, including PC, PS4/5, Switch, and Xbox One/Series X.
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