Electronic Arts' soccer simulators, notably EA Sports FC 25, have been under intense scrutiny, facing criticism not only for their monetization strategies but also for their technical performance. In response to these criticisms, the developers have rolled out a comprehensive "Gameplay Refresh Update," featuring over 50 changes to enhance the game mechanics. These updates aim to address several key areas:
- Significant improvements to core gameplay systems, including assists, shots, goalkeeper play, and defensive strategies.
- Rectification of common scenarios where defenders unrealistically caught up with the ball carrier.
- Enhanced smoothness in attacking play, making ball movement more fluid and responsive.
- Reduction in the frequency of reverse tackles and AI interceptions to create a more balanced gameplay experience.
- Considerable decrease in the effectiveness of crossing passes to encourage more diverse attacking strategies.
- Quicker player support when positioned in familiar roles, fostering better team dynamics.
- Enhanced offside detection for AI-controlled players during offensive runs.
- Slight improvements in the accuracy of shots taken from outside the penalty area under simple conditions.
Despite these efforts, initial reception to EA Sports FC 25 has been largely negative, with only 36% of the 474 player reviews on release being positive. The community's frustration stems from multiple issues, including perceived greed from Electronic Arts, numerous bugs and crashes, and difficulties in recognizing PlayStation controllers.
Furthermore, the game's anti-cheat system has rendered it incompatible with the Steam Deck, adding another layer of dissatisfaction among players who prefer gaming on this platform.
