An insider at EA’s office in Burnaby, BC has leaked a 54-page document suggesting that the company is purposely leading players into their Ultimate Team game mode, which critics say includes elements linked to gambling.
FIFA Ultimate Team has been FIFA’s main selling feature, and they’ve had a steady increase in profits from their in-game card packs. The leaked document states that EA are “doing everything [they] can” to push players towards their Ultimate Team game mode, rather than other modes. These card packs give you an opportunity to improve your chances at winning, which is what compels players to open them in the first place.
Problem Gaming executive Keith Whyte compared FIFA packs to a slot machine and claimed that “nothing is more attractive” than the rush of gambling. 22 year old Jonathan Peniket is a prime example of this addiction, saying he could “buy a little rush of happiness” when opening packs. Jonathan has spent over $5,000 on FIFA packs and would use them as a way to cope with unhappy times in his life.
According to gaming researcher and computer science lecturer David Zendle, the players that have experienced problem gambling are the same players who spend a lot of money on in-game items.
EA spokesperson Charlie Fortescue did however respond to these accusations by saying that “All EA games can be played without spending on in-game items” and that the “majority of players do not spend”. However, leaked information from the insider says that it gets frustrating for players to earn coins by playing the game, which is what compels them to spend money.
FIFA Ultimate Team packs have already been banned in Belgium, which raises concerns for EA’s most successful video game series.
Image credit: EA sports FIFA
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