What the Future of EA SPORTS FC Could Look Like

EA SPORTS FC has already gone through major changes in the last couple of years. It’s no longer just a yearly football game. EA is slowly turning it into something bigger, a connected platform that mixes football gaming, real-life football, and community interaction.

With recent announcements and the direction things are heading, it’s worth looking at where this franchise might go next. Here’s what the future of EA SPORTS FC could look like, based on what’s already public and where things seem to be moving.

Open World Football Is Coming

EA has confirmed it’s working on open-world gameplay for future FC titles. That means the classic menus and match-based system could expand into something more dynamic. Instead of just choosing game modes from a screen, players could walk around a shared virtual world including training areas, mini-pitches, co-op lobbies, or even online hangouts.

This could change how players experience the game. It wouldn’t just be about playing matches but also about exploring and connecting with others in real time.

EA SPORTS App

Another step in this direction is the EA SPORTS App, recently announced by EA. It’s not just for checking your squad or stats. The app it’s meant to be a full platform that links football fans and players together.

The app includes:

• A news feed with updates about your favorite teams
• In-app challenges during real-life matches
• Social features like community spaces
• Prediction tools using AI-based match simulations

The App will offer a range of features, designed to enhance the sports fan experience:

Community ‘Arenas’: At the heart of the EA SPORTS App is its vibrant community. Social features make it easy to connect and engage with others, share achievements, and celebrate victories… pic.twitter.com/7wCGjTxLam

— Matheus Gamer (@gamer_matheusx) October 14, 2024

The idea of bringing together gameplay, real-world football, and digital interaction isn’t new. Many mobile platforms already do this well, from fantasy football apps to online pokies real money games where real rewards are tied to engagement. EA seems to be following a similar path by building an app that keeps fans connected to football content, challenges, and live events, even when they’re not playing the main game.

What Happens to Ultimate Team?

Ultimate Team remains the most popular mode in EA SPORTS FC, but there are signs that the model could face some pressure. In many countries, there’s growing debate around loot boxes and pack-based systems, especially in games played by younger audiences.

If regulations tighten, EA may need to adjust how FUT works. Some possible future changes:

• Pack odds becoming more transparent or limited
• New ways to build squads without real-money packs
• Seasonal formats that don’t restart fully every year

FUT isn’t going away, but it may have to evolve to stay player-friendly and legal in different countries.

Career Mode Still Needs a Future

While EA has made small updates to Career Mode, many players still feel it’s far behind what it could be. The mode has potential as it could offer deeper stories, more control over player development, and even better AI decision-making.

For Career Mode to grow, EA might need to take it more seriously. That could mean:

• Adding a more flexible or open structure
• Letting players take on roles beyond coach or player (like club owner or agent)
• Making the mode more social, or even co-op

So far, there’s no clear signal from EA that big changes are coming, but there’s still a chance it gets more attention in the next few years.

Building the FC Brand Beyond the Game

After moving on from the FIFA name, EA has been developing EA SPORTS FC as its own standalone brand. That includes things like the new EA SPORTS App, real-world partnerships (like with LaLiga), and the growing esports scene with FC Pro.

We might see EA:

• Launch more branded live events
• Integrate influencers and media personalities into in-game content
• Expand into physical merchandise or other media

They’re clearly aiming to make EA SPORTS FC something that lives outside just the game. Possibly a full football media and lifestyle brand.

More Options for Casual Players

Another trend worth watching is how EA starts adding more flexible modes. The return of 5v5 gameplay in Rush and the launch of FC Tactical on mobile are early signs that EA wants to give players more than just 11v11 and Weekend League.

In the future, EA could include:

• Drop-in casual matches inside the open world
• Co-op challenges or short story missions
• Mini games that connect with the main experience

These types of options could make the game more fun for people who don’t want to grind daily or play competitively.

Smart Tech and AI Could Change the Experience

With features like FC IQ and Hypermotion already part of EA SPORTS FC 25, it’s clear that EA is investing in AI and smart systems. In the future, this could lead to:

• In-game coaching tips based on how you play
• Smarter AI opponents that adapt to your strategy
• More realistic match simulations, possibly linked with real-world data

These systems could improve both realism and accessibility, depending on how they’re used.

One Game Across Devices?

Lastly, EA might be working toward a more connected experience across platforms. FC Mobile and FC Tactical are already expanding the reach of the franchise. With crossplay and cloud gaming growing, players might eventually be able to manage or even play with the same squad on console, PC, or mobile.

Progress that carries between platforms could become a key part of the ecosystem, especially if the EA SPORTS App becomes a link between them.

EA SPORTS FC Is Evolving

EA SPORTS FC is no longer just a yearly football game. It’s becoming a platform with social tools, connected apps, and plans for open-world gameplay. While some areas (like Career Mode) still feel underdeveloped, there’s no doubt EA has a long-term vision.

What matters now is how well they balance that vision with what players actually want like more control, more fun, and fewer systems designed just to push microtransactions. We’ll see how far they take it in the next few years.