The EA Sports FC franchise has recently faced increasing dissatisfaction among players, with FC 25 emerging as a prime example of FC 25 Coins the challenges and controversies surrounding the series. Although the franchise's popularity once soared, recent developments suggest a decline that has left many fans disillusioned. This article explores the factors that have contributed to what some view as the franchise's "rock bottom" moment.

Discounted Shortly After Release
The rapid drop in FC 25 Ultimate Edition's price—a staggering 60% off only one month after its release—has raised eyebrows in the gaming community. This move is often interpreted as a sign that sales aren't meeting EA's expectations. While the EA Sports FC series has historically achieved impressive sales, recent trends suggest a slowdown, hinting at growing discontent within the fan base.

A Low-Rated Experience
FC 25 has been met with some of the lowest ratings in the franchise's history, receiving a dismal 1.9 on Google and 2.7 on Metacritic from users. Complaints center around disappointing gameplay mechanics, with players reporting issues such as poor passing accuracy, underwhelming “FC IQ” enhancements, and bugs that mar the Rush game mode. The resurgence of five-at-the-back formations has also stymied gameplay enjoyment, limiting strategic options and making matches feel repetitive. Even Career mode—despite minor updates—continues to lack the immersive quality that fans crave.

A Sea of Bugs
Adding to these frustrations, FC 25 has been plagued by bugs that significantly disrupt gameplay. Players have reported issues ranging from goals not registering, instead awarding a corner kick, to an “invisible barrier” bug that halts free-kick attempts. For PC players, the situation is even worse: rampant cheating has made competitive modes nearly unplayable. Some cheaters disconnect opponents in the middle of matches, securing effortless wins and monopolizing high-tier rewards. This has inflated card prices for valuable players like Kylian Mbappé and Yaya Touré, effectively locking casual players out of competitive market access.

A Harsh Reality for Casual Players
Casual players are facing unique challenges in FC 25, particularly due to the uneven rewards system. Whether in FUT Champions, Rivals, or Squad Battles, reward drops are often disappointing. Players frequently invest hours to receive rewards that consist of low-value cards, which offer minimal improvements to their teams. This issue is particularly pronounced in Ultimate Team, where the market has made it nearly impossible for non-paying players to obtain top-tier cards.

The near-constant release of new, high-cost promotional cards only exacerbates the problem. Most casual players can't afford to buy FC Points, leaving them unable to compete in acquiring these exclusive cards. This cycle leaves casual players fatigued and demoralized, ultimately diminishing their engagement with the game. EA Sports' heavy emphasis on microtransactions has created an environment where only the most dedicated, paying players can realistically hope to stay competitive, leaving others at a disadvantage.

Success at a Cost: Profits Over Players
Despite the criticisms, EA Sports FC remains a profitable venture for EA. Revenue from microtransactions continues to grow annually, largely due to the increasing purchase of FC Points. While some speculate that the number of players buying FC Points has stabilized, those who do invest are spending more. The success of this model likely reinforces EA's focus on monetization over substantial gameplay improvements.

This trend is concerning for players hoping for meaningful changes in the franchise. EA's financial success from FC Points suggests the company may not feel compelled to overhaul core gameplay elements or introduce a new game engine. The result could be a continuous cycle of annual releases with minimal innovations, which risks alienating the loyal fan base.

A Call for Change
Although FC 25's reception has been fraught with criticism, there is hope that EA will recognize the need to listen to its community. Improving the game would benefit everyone—players would enjoy a richer experience, and EA could maintain its revenue by fostering goodwill within its fan base. It remains to be seen whether EA will heed these calls for change, but the ball is in their court to restore the franchise's standing.

For now, players can only voice their concerns, hoping that EA prioritizes gameplay enhancements over short-term profitability. If the franchise can return to buy Fut 25 Coins its roots, focusing on delivering a balanced and enjoyable football experience, both EA and its loyal player base stand to gain.