EA Sports, which has bid farewell to the FIFA series as a name, is looking to give the series a new momentum with FC 24. So what are the innovations in the game?
Recently, we went to Amsterdam, Netherlands, as a guest of EA Games, and attended a special event organized for EA Sports FC 24. On the first day of the event, there was a presentation that many gamers watched live and stars took the stage, while the next day, a presentation was held exclusively for the press and participants.
On this second day, we also had the opportunity to chat with the production team and of course tried the game for a long time. In this content, we will of course take a closer look at the new game of the series, which is trying to gain new momentum with a name change.
EA Spors FC 24 preview / We played!
First of all, it was unforgettable for me, as a football lover, to see names like Figo, Drogba, Ronaldinho, Laura Georges and Haaland up close during the presentation. EA really did a great event to promote football and increase interest in women’s football. I can clearly say this for both the details reflected on the screen and behind the scenes.
As you know, women’s football, which is becoming more and more popular in our country as well as all over the world, has been appearing in FIFA games for a while. Although the number of players is statistically much lower than men’s football, which is more dominant, it is admirable that the company continues to support it.
Another point we need to underline before going into details is the name change. As you know, EA Sports is saying goodbye to the FIFA name it has used for almost 30 years due to high copyrights this year and will continue its path as Football Club, or FC for short. Don’t let this name change bring to mind the idea that the game will change significantly. Because when we look at it in general terms, we have a game that is updated and renewed like every year. Of course, while we touch on the innovations in this article, we will be able to witness more clearly how correct these steps are when the game is released.
One of the biggest innovations in the game is the HyperMotion engine. Thanks to this new engine, which we can also call a physics engine and called HyperMotionV, we see that significant breakthroughs have been made in animation. In fact, you may not notice this while playing a match, but there are many details in the background that affect both the game and the visuals.
The team, which analyzed thousands of hours of data with machine learning, managed to transfer them to the game. We can see the effect of this in both star player movements and important positions. For example, Erling Haaland’s flying kick goal against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, which was also featured in the game’s introduction trailer, has been transferred to the game in the same way.
On the other hand, we see that especially in famous names, fine details on physics are transferred to the game. In addition to the facial expressions of the players, even their arm and hand movements will be noticed. Again, if we give an example from Haaland, who also adorns the cover of the game; Haaland, as you know, is a very strong player physically. And when he sprints, he swings his hands much further back. We can even say that he has a unique running style. In the game, the movements of such football players will be much more clearly visible. All these details have been transferred to the game as a result of observations with artificial intelligence.
In the interview we attended with the producers, I actually asked them how artificial intelligence affects the game. I asked them whether artificial intelligence makes their job easier or opens many different doors. The production team stated that they use artificial intelligence technology very effectively, especially in data collection. In other words, rather than making their job easier, it has allowed them to focus on very different points. They stated that it is normally very difficult to watch 1000 hours of match highlights with the naked eye and transfer them completely to the game, but thanks to artificial intelligence, this data collection job has become much easier.
One of the most important dynamics in the game is PlayStyles, or playing style. I actually compare this to character development in Pro Club mode. Just like in Pro Club or RPG games, you focus more on a style and master that style. A similar process awaits players in FC 24. So if you like to go from the wings, cross and head the ball, you will become more proficient in this style. Or if you are a player who passes the defense block with short passes, shoots from distance, and goes on a counter attack, it is possible to master all these dynamics.
For example, Messi is very good at dribbling in a tight area, Mbappe is a master at creating space for himself and finding open space. You will have tactics that will be better for you in the game according to your style. In other words, there will be a significant difference between a player who normally prefers to go from the center and a player who constantly organizes with the wing and heading the incoming ball. If you are good at crossing and heading or good at dribbling in dead balls, you will have an advantage in the game according to him. At this point, it is said that there are 34 different Game Styles in FC 24 and that these are branched and branched within themselves.
Speaking of dribbling, there are also important innovations in the dribbling in the game. Almost all the moves we watch on the screen can be done in the game. In the dribbling section, delicate passing features are remarkable. In through passes, the deep passing event has become even more important. Now, with the LT + RB and Y keys, we will be able to get much clearer results in through passes to the front.
In the menu section, we see that EA Sports has decided on a simpler structure. A list-like preference has been made in the main menu. When you go down to the submenus, tabs appear. If it is very detailed, you will encounter different lists under each tab. I especially liked the Match Day chat on the menu side. This Match menu is decorated with different cutscenes according to the team, stadium or match you have chosen before the match starts or during the half-time. In addition, the match entrances have been adjusted dynamically. They say that they wanted to capture the feeling of watching a real match both in this section and in the camera angles in the game.
As I mentioned at the beginning, we will see the traces of women’s football clearly in FUT mode. Of course, how the player points will be balanced is a matter of curiosity. Career mode was among the most criticized aspects of the series. Fortunately, the team, aware of this, has added the expected changes to the career mode. We will no longer need to chase aggressive transfers. Just like in real life, when there is a team you want to go to, you will knock on your manager’s door. Of course, here, both your career and potential will be an important value to go to big teams.
As with these changes in gameplay, there are also minor changes on the visual side. We have already talked about the ball and player physics in detail. There has also been a lot of emphasis on costume movements. You can see how the jersey adapts to the situation even when the ball is bouncing. In addition, details such as shadows and ambient oclusion have been worked on to make the atmosphere more impressive. With good shadows, a better atmosphere and depth has been achieved both on the field and in the fans’ section.
In conclusion EA Sports FC 24 game It has managed to add significant innovations to the previous game. I really enjoyed the matches I played and the positions I entered during the time I played. But of course, you need to try the full version to see the game in full. Because in the demo we played, only PSG and Manchester City teams were open. As you know, the most criticized aspects of the series are the dynamics that are determined as a result of long games. On the other hand, the fact that the game has no rival is of course a big disadvantage. For all these positive aspects and the removal of question marks in minds, we need to wait for the game’s release date, September 29th.