Can You Dive in FIFA 17? Unveiling the Truth Behind On-Screen Antics

The short answer? No, you cannot intentionally dive in FIFA 17. While previous iterations of the FIFA franchise experimented with features that allowed players to feign fouls, FIFA 17 made a conscious decision to exclude a dedicated “dive” button or mechanic. This decision reflects a broader trend in sports gaming to move away from promoting unsportsmanlike conduct and focus on fair play. However, the absence of a specific button doesn’t entirely eliminate the perception of diving within the game, which we will explore in detail.

Why No Dive Button in FIFA 17?

EA’s decision to omit a dive button in FIFA 17 stemmed from a desire to create a more authentic and respectable simulation of football. Nick Channon, the senior producer for FIFA, explicitly stated that the feature was intentionally left out, and suggested it’s unlikely to return in future installments. The core reasons behind this decision include:

• Promoting Fair Play: Explicitly allowing players to dive could encourage unsportsmanlike behaviour, both in the virtual world and potentially influencing real-world perceptions of the sport.

• Focus on Skill and Realism: FIFA games strive to represent football accurately. While diving exists in the professional game, it’s a controversial aspect, and the developers likely felt it was better to focus on more positive elements like skill moves, tactical play, and realistic player AI.

• Referee AI Challenges: Implementing diving effectively requires extremely sophisticated referee AI. The AI would need to accurately assess the validity of a foul, distinguishing between a genuine infringement and a simulated one. This is a complex challenge, and a poorly implemented diving mechanic could lead to frustrating gameplay experiences.

The Perception of Diving in FIFA 17

Even without a dedicated dive button, players might appear to dive in FIFA 17 due to various in-game factors:

• Collision Physics: The game’s physics engine, while improved, isn’t perfect. Collisions between players can sometimes result in exaggerated falls or stumbles that resemble diving.
• Player Momentum: A player running at high speed who encounters even slight contact can sometimes lose their balance dramatically, leading to what seems like a dive.
• AI Behaviour: Occasionally, AI-controlled players might react to challenges in ways that mimic diving, particularly if they are attempting to win a penalty in a crucial situation.
• Animation Glitches: Rare animation glitches can sometimes cause players to fall awkwardly or unexpectedly, creating the illusion of a dive.

It’s important to distinguish between these instances and intentional diving. While these factors can lead to situations that look like dives, they are generally unintentional consequences of the game’s mechanics rather than deliberate actions by the player.

FIFA’s History with Diving: A Look Back

While FIFA 17 didn’t have a dive button, earlier versions experimented with the concept:

• FIFA 2001: The “Dirty Move” Button: As the article excerpt mentions, FIFA 2001 included a “dirty move” button (R1 on PlayStation) that allowed players to perform unsportsmanlike actions, including headbutts. While not specifically a diving button, it represented a willingness to incorporate less-than-honourable tactics.
• Other Football Games: As noted, games like This Is Football 2002 explicitly featured diving as a mechanic, receiving mixed reviews. This illustrates the ongoing debate within the gaming community about whether diving should be included in football simulations.

FAQs: Diving in FIFA and Related Topics

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) that will provide additional information about the game:

1. Has there ever been a dive button in FIFA?

Yes, the closest example was the “dirty move” button in FIFA 2001, which allowed players to perform fouls, but this was not specifically designed for diving.

2. Why did FIFA remove the dive button?

The removal reflects a shift towards promoting fair play and a more realistic simulation of football, focusing on skill and strategy rather than unsportsmanlike tactics.

3. Can AI players dive in FIFA 17?

While AI players don’t intentionally dive, their reactions to challenges might sometimes appear to be dives due to the game’s physics and animation system.

4. What happens if a player appears to dive in FIFA 17?

Nothing specifically happens. The referee AI does not react to perceived dives; it only reacts to detected fouls based on the game’s collision and refereeing algorithms.

5. Are there penalties for diving in real football?

Yes, diving is considered unsporting behaviour and is typically punished with a yellow card.

6. How does FIFA determine fouls?

FIFA uses a complex algorithm based on player positioning, speed, impact force, and referee AI to determine whether a foul has occurred.

7. Can you influence the referee’s decision in FIFA?

There is no direct way to influence the referee’s decision, as refereeing is handled automatically by AI.

8. Does player skill affect the likelihood of a foul being called?

While player stats don’t directly influence foul calls, a more skilled player might be better at avoiding tackles or drawing legitimate fouls, leading to a higher foul count indirectly.

9. Does FIFA 23 have a dive button?

No, just like FIFA 17, FIFA 23 does not include a dedicated dive button.

10. What are some ways to improve your FIFA 17 gameplay?

Focus on mastering skill moves, tactical play, set-piece execution, and effective team management. The article excerpt mentions the use of driven shots, set piece upgrades, and choosing a strong formation like 4-3-3.

11. Where can I learn more about the design and development of games like FIFA?

You can explore resources from organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They research the intersection of games, learning, and society.

12. How realistic is FIFA 17’s representation of football?

FIFA 17 strives for realism, but it is still a game. While it captures many aspects of football accurately, compromises are made to ensure engaging gameplay and address technical limitations.

13. What are some common FIFA 17 strategies?

Common strategies include utilizing pacey attackers, mastering driven shots, and effectively shielding the ball.

14. How has the FIFA series evolved since FIFA 17?

The FIFA series has continued to evolve with advancements in graphics, gameplay mechanics (like HyperMotion technology in later versions), and game modes.

15. What is the future of realism in football video games?

The future likely holds even more realistic graphics, improved AI, and the incorporation of data-driven insights to create an even more immersive and authentic football simulation experience. The Games Learning Society may contribute to this evolution.

Conclusion: Diving into Honesty

While the absence of a dive button in FIFA 17 might disappoint some players seeking to replicate every aspect of real-world football, it ultimately contributes to a more sporting and enjoyable gaming experience. The focus on skill, strategy, and realistic gameplay mechanics reinforces the positive aspects of the sport and minimizes the potential for unsportsmanlike conduct. Though diving is a part of real-world soccer, excluding it from the virtual world promotes a higher level of sportsmanship within the game.