EA Adds Women to Ultimate Team, Explains Decision

EA has recently announced that for the first time ever, women will be included in the popular game mode Ultimate Team. This mode, which has been a fixture in the FIFA series for a decade, allows players to create teams with current and retired players, referred to as Icons.

The decision to include women in Ultimate Team comes with the upcoming release of EA Sports FC 24 in September. John Shepherd, executive producer at EA, expressed their deep consideration for this choice, stating that they believe they can contribute to the growth of women’s football and unite fans worldwide.

Shepherd explained, “Ultimate Team is a fantastic platform for this inclusivity. It provides a space where fans can build their dream teams consisting of players from different countries, leagues, and clubs. It felt like the perfect opportunity to make this change.”

However, not everyone in the FIFA community has reacted positively to this decision. Some argue that mixing male and female players is unrealistic. Senior producer Sam Rivera responded to this criticism by emphasizing that Ultimate Team is a fantasy mode, saying, “You don’t see Mbappe playing with all the Icons. It’s all about creating a fantasy football experience.”

EA is also addressing the issue of toxicity within the football gaming community. The company is taking a strict approach to combat inappropriate behavior and content, such as sexist or racist Ultimate Team names. Shepherd stated, “We take this matter seriously and have dedicated a team at EA to monitor and address toxicity. We are implementing new systems and services to ensure a healthier gaming environment.”

AsumeTech had the opportunity to preview EA Sports FC 24 and noted that although there will be significant mechanical changes, it still retains the essence of the FIFA franchise while introducing new elements to keep things fresh.

With FIFA’s control over the franchise gone, there is anticipation regarding EA’s plans to breathe new life into this cornerstone sports franchise.