FIFA World

FIFA World was a free-to-play massively multiplayer online football game developed by EA Canada and published by EA Sports. Announced on August 9, 2013, the game entered open beta on November 12, 2013, initially in Brazil and Russia, before expanding globally on May 20, 2014. Designed for Microsoft Windows, FIFA World aimed to bring the authentic football experience to a broader audience, especially targeting regions where console gaming was less prevalent.

The game featured two primary modes:

• League Teams: Players could select from a vast array of licensed clubs and national teams, progressing through a promotion and relegation system from Division 10 to Division 1. Matches required match credits, which replenished over time or could be purchased using "FIFA Points," the in-game currency.
• Ultimate Team: This mode allowed players to build unique squads using players acquired from the live transfer market or through packs. Players could compete in online or single-player seasons, striving for promotion across divisions. The mode also featured a "Team of the Week," highlighting players with outstanding real-life performances.

FIFA World boasted an extensive roster of licensed leagues, clubs, and national teams, mirroring those available in FIFA 15. Notably, the Turkish Süper Lig and its 18 clubs were introduced in version 8.0, released on August 22, 2014. However, due to licensing issues, the Brazilian Série A and its clubs were removed in September 2014.

The game utilized the FIFA 12 engine, offering a familiar gameplay experience to fans of the series. Players could control the game using a keyboard, a combination of keyboard and mouse, or a game controller, catering to various preferences. Commentary was available in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and more, enhancing the global appeal.

Despite its innovative approach, EA announced on April 15, 2015, that FIFA World, along with other free-to-play titles like Battlefield Heroes and Need for Speed: World, would be discontinued on July 14, 2015. The decision was attributed to the game's inability to gain sufficient momentum for a full commercial launch.

MMOTOP.ORG Review

FIFA World represented EA Sports' ambitious attempt to deliver a comprehensive football experience to PC gamers, particularly in markets underserved by console gaming. The inclusion of popular modes like Ultimate Team and a wide array of licensed teams provided depth and authenticity. However, the game's reliance on microtransactions and the eventual lack of player engagement led to its closure. While it served as a valuable experiment in free-to-play sports gaming, FIFA World ultimately fell short of establishing a sustainable player base. We would rate it 60 out of 100, acknowledging its strengths in gameplay and licensing, but noting its shortcomings in longevity and player retention.

FAQ