How Could a Theoretical Rival to Electronic Arts Beat EA Sports FC?

Electronic Arts’ football game series has been dominant for a very long time. Konami had its shot with Pro Evolution Soccer about a decade ago or so, but it swiftly fell by the wayside. Now, even with only very minor tweaks and updates to the formula, you can guarantee that EA Sports FC will be a best-seller every year.

As was detailed in the reviews for EA Sports FC 25, it’s an open goal for the team at EA Sports, and they continue to nestle it away. Of course, they reached this point by building the best experience overall and cultivating a huge player base. It’s getting more and more difficult to ignore the noise from fans and even regulators, though.

In theory, this would open the door to a rival game. If there’s so much well-publicised discontent with the lack of advancements and dubious monetisation methods, surely another savvy developer could sweep in and win over droves of players. Here, we’re looking at what a theoretical rival would need to do to achieve this feat.

Innovate with New Game Modes

While the core 11v11 simulation remains the backbone of any football game, introducing innovative modes could set a competitor apart. Football gaming fans are always looking for fresh ways to engage with the sport, and this is where a new developer could make inroads.

A good comparison can be drawn from the online games industry. When online casinos first launched, they largely replicated land-based experiences with digital versions of slot machines and table games. Over time, to remain competitive, online casino sites had to invent new games that leveraged the unique advantages of digital platforms.

Similarly, football games could benefit from fresh ideas beyond the standard Career Mode, Ultimate Team, and Pro Clubs formats. EA Sports have sporadically added some inventive new modes over the decades, most recently adjusting Volta into Rush for 5v5 football, but these have mostly been side attractions rather than central components.

A competitor could seize the opportunity by developing a unique, engaging gameplay mode that taps into fan creativity or competition in new ways such as running a team as a director of football for a more in-depth managing experience. 

Other game modes like Be-A-Referee could offer a new way to play the game, and reintroducing classic teams and historical matchups can provide nostalgic experiences and allow players to relive iconic football moments.

Licences Are Essential

EA Sports’ stranglehold on the football game genre can be seen as their ability to secure the licences to the glut of elite-tier competitions, teams, and players from around the world. The inability of PES to collect quite as much of an impressive licensing collection is what ultimately sunk what many considered to be a better core experience.

Since they split, FIFA have been looking for a new development partner. They’ll be jumping into the freemium mobile space this summer with FIFA Rivals from Mythical Games, but a console and PC full football sim is a much more trying prospect.

EA Sports have been conquered in the past: FIFA Manager was driven out by Football Manager, and NBA Live was squashed by NBA 2K. The team behind NBA 2K, however, face an uphill battle. As noted by Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick in August 2024, even acquiring the licence from governing body FIFA isn’t enough.

There are loads of licensing deals needed around the world to make a game with as much aesthetically official imagery as EA Sports FC. Ultimately, it’s this challenge that would suggest it currently being very unlikely that EA Sports will have to fend off a rival game any time soon.

Leverage New Technologies

Beyond innovative modes and licenses, a new football sim could also stand out by embracing new technologies. EA has been relatively slow to adopt emerging tech like machine learning, real-time physics, and enhanced AI for player behavior. A rival could capitalize on this by offering a more realistic and dynamic gameplay experience.

For example, advanced AI could create more realistic player positioning, decision-making, and tactical adjustments. Improved physics engines could lead to more natural ball movement, realistic contact, and varied shot mechanics. Real-time weather systems and dynamic pitch conditions could further increase immersion.

Another area of opportunity is the rise of user-generated content. Allowing players to create and share custom teams, kits, stadiums, and leagues could build a strong community around the game. EA’s current system is restrictive when it comes to customization, so a more open approach from a competitor could attract players who feel creatively limited in EA Sports FC.

Improve Monetization Models

One of the biggest sources of frustration with EA Sports FC is its monetization model, more specifically Ultimate Team’s reliance on loot boxes. Regulators and players alike have criticized the system for promoting gambling-like behavior and pay-to-win mechanics. A competitor could take advantage of this dissatisfaction by offering a fairer and more transparent alternative.

Rather than relying on loot boxes, a rival could introduce a more straightforward progression system where players unlock content through gameplay. Alternatively, a battle pass model or direct purchases of cosmetic items (without gameplay advantages) could provide a more balanced and player-friendly approach.

A good example of this can be seen in games like Rocket League and Fortnite, which have thriving monetization models based on cosmetic content rather than gameplay-affecting mechanics. If a competitor could create an engaging gameplay loop while offering non-predatory monetization, it could draw disillusioned Ultimate Team players away from EA’s model.

Can EA Sports FC Be Challenged?

EA Sports has dominated the football gaming market for so long that it’s difficult to imagine a legitimate rival emerging. Still, the cracks are starting to show. Discontent with monetization, slow innovation, and the occasional licensing dispute present opportunities for competitors to rise like UFL or GOALS.

A successful rival would need to secure strong licensing deals, create genuinely new and engaging game modes, and offer a more player-friendly monetization model. It wouldn’t be easy however Football Manager and NBA 2K have shown that EA Sports isn’t invincible. If the right developer steps up, EA Sports FC could finally have a serious competitor.