EA Introduces Paid Season Pass to FC 25, A First for the Soccer Series
In a move that has sparked controversy among fans, Electronic Arts (EA) has added a paid season pass to its popular soccer game, FC 25. This marks the first time a paid season pass has been introduced to the long-running series. The EA Sports FC 25 Premium Pass is now live in-game and can be obtained with 500,000 in-game virtual currency (UT Coins) or 1,000 FC Points, which cost $9.99.
According to IGN, the paid track includes exclusive content and tradeable packs, allowing players to sell rewards obtained in the Premium Pass to other players for in-game currency. This currency can then be used to buy the next Premium Pass, assuming players earn enough coins from the sale of those items in the auction house. Rewards include powerful cards, such as Immortal Icon Franck Ribéry, and Evolution consumables that can be used to improve existing cards.
The introduction of the paid season pass has been met with criticism from some players, who argue that it comes on top of an already premium game and heavily monetized game mode, Ultimate Team. Critics suggest that the Premium Pass offers a direct way to buy powerful cards, which can then be used in competitive multiplayer. As IGN reports, some players are concerned that this will create an unfair advantage for those willing to pay for the Premium Pass.
However, others point out that most rewards can only be unlocked by leveling up, and players can pay for the premium track with coins earned through gameplay alone. This means that technically, everything in the Premium Pass is earnable by simply playing the game. Additionally, Ultimate Team store packs already offer a direct purchase route for certain cards.
EA has insisted that the Premium Pass is “purely additive” and promised not to shift rewards from the standard tier of the Season Pass to the Premium Pass. In a blog post, the company stated, “While our Season 7 Premium Pass rewards are locked in, we’ll be monitoring your feedback to make sure we deliver the best experience possible in whatever mode you play in FC moving forward.”
The introduction of the Premium Pass may be an attempt by EA to further monetize its successful game, now that it is available at a heavily discounted price and ahead of FC 25’s expected arrival in console subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PlayStation Plus. This move comes as EA reports a shortfall in its financial forecast for its fiscal year, citing the “underperformance” of EA Sports FC 2025.
The launch of the Premium Pass at the beginning of EA’s new financial year is significant, and it looks like a clear set-up for the inevitable EA Sports FC 26. The question for EA is, will the Premium Pass do the business it needs without causing ruptures in its community? Only time will tell.
As reported by IGN, the Premium Pass is a significant development in the FC series, and its impact will be closely watched by fans and industry analysts alike. With the game’s popularity and controversy surrounding its monetization model, EA will need to carefully balance its revenue goals with community concerns.
Source: IGN –
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