Electronic Arts' soccer simulators, notably EA Sports FC 25, have faced substantial criticism, extending beyond monetization issues to concerns about the game's technical performance. Responding to this feedback, the developers have rolled out a comprehensive "Gameplay Refresh Update" that encompasses over 50 modifications to enhance the game mechanics. Key changes include:
- Significant updates to core gameplay elements such as assists, shots, goalkeeper play, and defensive strategies.
- Addressing common scenarios where defenders unrealistically catch up to the ball carrier.
- Enhancing the fluidity of attacking play, making ball movement smoother and more intuitive.
- Reducing the occurrence of reverse tackles and AI interceptions, to create a more balanced gameplay experience.
- Lowering the effectiveness of crossing passes to encourage more varied offensive strategies.
- Improving player responsiveness when positioned in roles they are familiar with.
- Refining offside detection to better manage AI-controlled offensive runs.
- Boosting the accuracy of shots taken from outside the penalty area under normal conditions.
Despite these efforts, EA Sports FC 25 received only a 36% positive rating from 474 player reviews at launch, indicating a predominantly negative reception. Players have expressed frustration over what they perceive as Electronic Arts' greed, alongside numerous bugs and crashes. Additionally, the game has struggled with recognizing PlayStation controllers, further fueling discontent.
Moreover, the game's anti-cheat system has rendered it incompatible with the Steam Deck, limiting its accessibility to a popular gaming platform. This has added to the list of grievances from the gaming community.
