FIFA 23

Introduction: The End of an Era and the Start of a New Game

FIFA 23 marks the final installment in the iconic football series under the EA Sports and FIFA collaboration, ending a 30-year legacy. Released in September 2022, FIFA 23 aimed to go out with a bang—bringing enhancements to gameplay, immersive next-gen visuals, cross-play functionality, and expansions in women’s football.

Whether you’re a seasoned Ultimate Team player, a Career Mode enthusiast, or just a casual couch competitor, FIFA 23 promised a little something for everyone. But does this title deliver as the curtain falls on one of gaming’s most recognized brands?

Let’s dive into the full picture of what FIFA 23 achieved—and where it stands in the franchise's storied timeline.

1. FIFA Through the Years: A Franchise Timeline

Before we dissect FIFA 23, it's essential to understand the franchise's journey. What started as a top-down pixelated football sim in 1993 evolved into a global behemoth of digital football entertainment.

 Key Milestones:

• FIFA 98: First Road to World Cup and indoor matches.

• FIFA 10: Refined gameplay and Manager Mode boom.

• FIFA 17: Debut of The Journey story mode.

• FIFA 21–22: Introduction of HyperMotion technology on next-gen.

EA Sports & FIFA Split:

The ending of the EA-FIFA partnership meant FIFA 23 would be the last game under the FIFA branding, with EA continuing under the new name EA Sports FC starting in 2023.

2. Visuals and Presentation: A Next-Gen Leap

FIFA 23 runs on the Frostbite Engine, further enhanced for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC with HyperMotion2 Technology.

Player and Stadium Details:

• Realistic player animations using advanced motion capture.

• True-to-life stadium atmospheres with weather, crowd noise, and lighting.

• Enhanced turf physics and camera movements create a broadcast-like experience.

Cutscenes and Matchday Presentation:

• New dynamic pre-game cinematics and halftime locker room views.

• Licensed audio cues from real-world broadcasters like Derek Rae and Stewart Robson.

FIFA 23 visually stands as the most immersive football game ever released under the franchise’s name.

3. Gameplay Mechanics: Faster, Smarter, Smoother

FIFA 23 promised gameplay innovation—and largely delivered, especially on next-gen consoles.

Core Improvements:

• HyperMotion2 introduced over 6,000 new animations, making movements more fluid.

• Players respond better to context—adjusting steps, shielding, or shifting balance naturally.

• First-touch control, sprint dribbling, and tackle physics are more nuanced.

 AI and Match Flow:

• CPU players now press, cover space, and intercept more intelligently.

• Matches feel tactically more open, requiring better positioning and timing.

While pace and skill still dominate online, overall, the gameplay in FIFA 23 is deeper and more realistic than its predecessors.

4. Ultimate Team: Evolution and Exploitation

FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) remains the franchise’s biggest draw—and its most monetized mode.

FUT 23 Highlights:

• Chemistry system overhaul allows for greater flexibility in squad building.

• New FUT Moments mode for quick single-player challenges.

• Introduction of FUT Heroes and Icons continues to appeal to nostalgic fans.

Monetization Concerns:

• Loot box mechanics via card packs remain controversial.

• Progression can feel grind-heavy without spending real money.

• Power creep escalates quickly, especially post-Team of the Year and TOTS.

Pros: Customization, live content updates, high player engagement
Cons: Predatory monetization, imbalance between F2P and paid players

5. Career Mode: A Mix of Progress and Missed Potential

Career Mode fans hoped for a breakthrough year—and while FIFA 23 made meaningful changes, it wasn’t a full overhaul.

Player Career Additions:

• Playable Highlights let players skip less exciting moments.

• Personality points (Maverick, Virtuoso, Heartbeat) influence growth.

• New cutscenes and transfer negotiation options improve immersion.

Manager Mode Enhancements:

• Customizable AI managers, dynamic difficulty, and scouting logic updates.

• The introduction of real managers like Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola.

Still, Career Mode lacks the depth and innovation seen in games like Football Manager—missing a long-requested overhaul to training, youth development, and team chemistry.

6. Volta Football: Fun but Forgotten

Volta, EA’s take on street football, returns with new customization and arcade-style gameplay—but fails to evolve meaningfully.

 Volta Updates:

• Volta Arcades adds mini-games (Tennis, Dodgeball, Dribble Races).

• Improved avatar progression and skill trees.

• New seasonal gear and fashion customization.

The Volta Problem:

• No story mode continuation after FIFA 21's The Debut.

• Limited appeal compared to core modes like FUT or Career.

• Mostly abandoned by competitive players.

Volta feels like an underutilized sandbox, full of potential but lacking support or clear direction.

7. Women’s Football: A Major Leap Forward

FIFA 23 is the most inclusive FIFA ever, with the largest representation of women’s football to date.

 What's New:

• Addition of Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Féminine.

• Women’s club teams playable for the first time.

• Expanded national teams and inclusion in World Cup DLC.

Gameplay Differences:

• Physics adjusted to match female player body types.

• Animation and dribbling styles are tailored rather than recycled.

It’s a long-overdue inclusion that helps diversify FIFA’s player base and representation of the sport.

8. Cross-Play and Online Features

FIFA 23 introduced cross-play across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in most online modes, bringing a more united player base.

Cross-Platform Integration:

• FUT, Seasons, Online Friendlies now support cross-platform matchmaking.

• Limited to same-generation hardware (PS5 vs Xbox Series X is allowed; PS4 vs PS5 is not).

Server Stability and Anti-Cheat:

• EA introduced kernel-level anti-cheat software on PC (controversial but effective).

• Servers remained stable for most of FIFA 23’s lifecycle, though occasional FUT congestion persisted.

This shift to cross-play has made FIFA more connected, accessible, and competitive than ever.

9. Licensing, Audio, and Broadcast Quality

FIFA 23 holds over 19,000 players, 700 teams, and 100 stadiums with fully licensed kits, leagues, and commentary.

 Immersive Elements:

• Real-life stadium chants, crowd reactions, and dynamic commentary add realism.

• Custom chants and goal songs increase personalization.

Licensed Leagues:

• Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS, Ligue 1, UEFA Champions League.

• Notable absences: Juventus and Roma due to PES/Football Manager exclusivity (now replaced with fake teams like Piemonte Calcio).

It remains the most fully licensed football game on the market, offering unparalleled immersion in the sport.