FIFA 23 / EA Sports FC 24

Game images by RAWG

FIFA 23 / EA Sports FC 24

EA Sports (EA Vancouver)

Windows; PS4/PS5, Xbox One/Series; Nintendo Switch (Legacy)premium (+ microtransactions)

Health Score

RISKY

Official Website Watch Gameplay

About This Game

Super Review

EA Sports FC 24 delivers an authentic football simulation, perfect for passionate fans to manage teams and compete. However, its popular Ultimate Team mode relies heavily on loot-box mechanics, encouraging significant spending and a 'grind' for progress. Online interactions also carry a risk of encountering toxic behavior.

Super Review

Parent verdict

EA Sports FC 24 is a strong football simulation that deeply engages players with realistic gameplay and team management. However, its low 'Risky' health score of 27 reflects significant concerns around the Ultimate Team mode. This mode's gambling-like card packs and constant progression incentives can be highly addictive and lead to considerable unplanned spending. Parents should also be mindful of potentially toxic online interactions, making strict boundaries essential for a healthy play experience.

What players actually do

Players control virtual football stars on the pitch, executing passes, dribbles, and shots with precise button inputs to score goals and win matches in a realistic simulation.
Players build a 'dream team' in Ultimate Team by acquiring player cards through randomized packs, then strategically managing squad chemistry and competing in online or offline matches to earn rewards and upgrade their roster.
Players engage in competitive online matches against others, testing their strategic formations and individual player skill in pursuit of leaderboard rankings and season rewards.

Where it shines

The game offers an exceptionally authentic and immersive football experience with realistic player movements, detailed stadiums, and professional commentary, appealing deeply to true fans of the sport.
Multiplayer modes encourage strategic thinking and teamwork, whether building a balanced squad in Ultimate Team or coordinating plays with friends in Pro Clubs.

Parent watch-outs

The Ultimate Team mode features loot box-style 'packs' that contain random player cards, heavily incentivizing real-money purchases with no guarantee of desired outcomes, akin to gambling.
Online multiplayer can expose players to unsportsmanlike conduct, including 'trash talk' through messages, abusive tactics, or even opponents quitting matches to deny wins.

Family rules worth setting

Set clear financial limits on in-game purchases, or disable spending entirely, especially for Ultimate Team packs, to prevent unexpected costs.
Enable console parental controls to restrict or disable online communication features like voice and text chat to limit exposure to toxic players.

Talk about this

Discuss the difference between skill-based achievement and luck-based rewards in games, and how 'loot boxes' are designed to make players want to spend more money.
Talk about good sportsmanship, online etiquette, and how to handle or report negative interactions with other players in competitive environments.

Play style

Matches can be quick, intense affairs lasting around 15-20 minutes, offering immediate gratification. The difficulty is scalable for casual play but mastering advanced techniques and tactics for competitive online modes requires significant dedication. Solo players can enjoy career modes, but much of the game's appeal, especially Ultimate Team, encourages social or competitive online play, where skill and team building are crucial. Some players may need help understanding complex menus or advanced strategies.

Score Breakdown

Positive Aspects

Educational Value

1/5

Creativity

1/5

Pro-Social

2/5

Risk Factors

Addictive Monetization

5/5

Time Pressure / FOMO

4/5

Social Risk

2/5

Content Intensity

0/5

Why this rating

Educational Value

1/5

While the game simulates real-world football, offering an understanding of team dynamics and tactics, its core gameplay loop offers minimal direct educational benefit. The primary focus is on competition and entertainment, rather than learning.

Addictive Monetization

5/5

The Ultimate Team mode heavily leverages 'surprise mechanics' (loot boxes) and constant progression systems, making it highly susceptible to addictive spending. Players are strongly incentivized to purchase randomized player packs with real money to build competitive teams.

Time Pressure / FOMO

4/5

Ultimate Team's seasonal content, daily objectives, and competitive ladders create ongoing incentives to play regularly and for extended periods. This pressure to 'grind' for in-game currency and rewards can lead to significant time investment.

Negatives

•Ultimate Team mode can be very addictive and costly (card pack gambling mechanics)
•Online play can expose to toxic opponents (via messages)
•Annual releases – incremental updates for full price

Positives

•Authentic sports experience – great for soccer fans
•Encourages strategy and teamwork in multiplayer
•No violent content, just competitive sports play

Gameplay Videos

FIFA 23 Gameplay (PC UHD) [4K60FPS]

Throneful

1 of 3

Other Recommended Games

NBA 2K26

Visual Concepts (2K Sports)

33/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

EA SPORTS FC 25 (second entry)

EA Vancouver; EA Romania

33/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

EA SPORTS Madden NFL 26

EA Orlando

32/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

Fruit Ninja 2

Halfbrick Studios

31/100

Same platform, Similar gameplay style

Official Ratings

E (Everyone)

ESRB

– (Mild Lyrics in soundtrack)

Users Interact (online matches); In-Game Purchases (Ultimate Team loot packs)

PEGI 3

PEGI

– (Sport simulation)

Age Fit

ℹ️Ages 3-5

Too complex for this age group; controls and game rules are not suitable.

ℹ️Ages 6-8

Not recommended for this age without heavy supervision; core mechanics are too involved, and online/monetization risks are high.

ℹ️Ages 9-12

Potentially suitable for avid football fans with strict parental controls on spending and online interactions; focus on offline modes.

ℹ️Ages 13-15

Popular and generally suitable for this age, but strong parental oversight is critical for Ultimate Team spending and managing online social exposure.

ℹ️Ages 16-18

Suitable with awareness of the addictive monetization practices in Ultimate Team and potential for online toxicity. Managing time and money is key.