Was FIFA 23 Really Sold for 6 Cents? The Epic Pricing Blunder

Yes, for a brief, shining moment, FIFA 23 was indeed accidentally listed for the equivalent of six cents (USD) on the Indian Epic Games Store. This pricing error sent ripples of excitement (and frantic buying) through the gaming community. This article dives deep into the details of this remarkable event, exploring what happened, how EA responded, and the broader context of FIFA 23’s success and legacy.

The Accidental Discount: How It Happened

The story begins with a simple, yet impactful, mistake. When EA put up the pre-order page for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition on the Indian Epic Games Store, a decimal point was misplaced in the pricing. Instead of the intended price of $99.99 (USD), the game was listed for a mere 4.80 rupees, which translates to approximately $0.06 (USD) at the prevailing exchange rate.

News of this incredibly low price spread like wildfire across social media and gaming forums. Savvy gamers in India, and even some outside the region, quickly jumped on the opportunity to pre-order the game at this unbelievably discounted price. Imagine getting the latest FIFA title, packed with all its features and content, for less than the cost of a gumball!

EA’s Response: An “Own Goal” Honored

Understandably, the pricing error caused quite a stir at Electronic Arts (EA). The potential loss of revenue was significant. However, EA opted for a rather unusual and surprisingly consumer-friendly approach.

In a public statement, EA acknowledged the mistake, humorously referring to it as “a pretty spectacular own-goal.” More importantly, they announced that they would honor all pre-purchases made at the incorrect price.

This decision was met with widespread praise from gamers. It demonstrated a level of goodwill and customer-centricity that is not always seen in the gaming industry. By honoring the mistaken price, EA avoided a potential PR disaster and, in fact, generated a considerable amount of positive publicity.

The Impact and Aftermath

The “six-cent FIFA 23” incident had several notable effects:

• Increased Pre-Orders: The accidental discount undoubtedly drove a surge in pre-orders for the game, particularly in India.
• Positive PR: EA’s decision to honor the price error earned them significant goodwill and positive media coverage.
• A Memorable Anecdote: The story became a memorable anecdote in the history of the FIFA franchise and the gaming industry as a whole.

FIFA 23’s Overall Success

Beyond the pricing mishap, FIFA 23 was a commercially successful title. It marked the end of an era as the final installment in the long-running partnership between EA and FIFA.

FIFA 23 achieved record-breaking sales, surpassing its predecessor and cementing its place as one of the best-selling games in the franchise. According to EA CEO Andrew Wilson, FIFA 23 was “pacing to be the biggest title in series history.” Sales increased by 50% year over year in North America, indicating substantial growth.

The success of FIFA 23 can be attributed to several factors, including its engaging gameplay, the inclusion of both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup tournaments, and the addition of women’s club teams.

The End of an Era: From FIFA to EA Sports FC

FIFA 23 holds a unique position in gaming history. While successful in its own right, it also represents the culmination of a nearly 30-year partnership between EA and FIFA.

Disagreements over licensing fees and the future direction of the franchise led to the split between the two organizations. As a result, subsequent iterations of the game are now released under the EA Sports FC banner, marking a new chapter for EA’s football simulation franchise. The EA deal with FIFA was worth about $150 million a year, making it FIFA’s largest commercial agreement outside the men’s World Cup. FIFA was looking to at least double that figure in a new deal, but EA ultimately decided to move on.

FAQs About FIFA 23

Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about FIFA 23, covering a range of topics from its pricing and gameplay to the transition to EA Sports FC.

1. How much did FIFA 23 sell?

FIFA 23 achieved a record-breaking launch, with over 10.3 million copies sold within the first week of its release.

2. What was the standard price of FIFA 23?

The standard price for the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition was $99.99 (USD) before any discounts or promotions.

3. Is it illegal to buy FIFA coins?

According to EA’s rules, it is against the terms of service to buy FIFA coins from third parties. EA encourages players to earn FUT Coins by playing matches or selling items on the Transfer Market. Violating this rule can lead to penalties, including account bans.

4. Is FIFA 23 cheaper with EA Play?

Yes, having an EA Play membership grants a discount on FIFA 23. EA Play Pro members also have access to the EA SPORTS™ FIFA 23 EA Play Pro Edition. An EA Play membership provides a 10% discount.

5. Why is there no FIFA 24?

There is no FIFA 24 because EA’s partnership with FIFA ended. The franchise has been rebranded as EA Sports FC, with EA Sports FC 24 being the first title under the new name.

6. How can I get EA FC cheap?

The cheapest prices for EA FC (EA Sports FC 24) can often be found at online retailers like CD Keys, who offer digital codes for both the Standard and Ultimate Editions. Also, pre-ordering can sometimes offer discounts.

7. Will FIFA 23 be cheaper on Black Friday?

Yes, FIFA 23 is expected to be available at discounted prices during Black Friday sales, both digitally and at retail stores.

8. How much is FIFA 23 in different regions?

The price of FIFA 23 can vary depending on the region and retailer. Prices can range from 14.500 KD in Kuwait to AED 141.99 in Dubai.

9. What are the key features of FIFA 23?

Key features of FIFA 23 include both men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup tournaments, the addition of women’s club teams, and new ways to play favorite modes.

10. How much does Zidane cost in FIFA 23?

The cost of Zidane in FIFA 23’s Ultimate Team (FUT) can vary based on the platform. His current price is around 260,000 coins on PlayStation and Xbox, and 360,000 coins on PC.

11. Are swaps banned in FIFA 23?

No, swaps are not banned in FIFA 23. However, a soft ban can occur if you play too many FUT online matches consecutively, particularly in friendlies.

12. Will FIFA ban me if I buy coins?

Yes, it is possible to get banned for buying FIFA 23 coins, as it violates the game’s terms of service. Trading is a more legitimate way to acquire coins without the risk of a ban.

13. How much profit did FIFA 23 make?

EA posted $1.87 billion in Q4 net revenue, though the net loss for the quarter was $12 million. FIFA 23 surpassed the lifetime sales of FIFA 22 in just six months.

14. Which FIFA game sold the most?

FIFA 18 holds the record for the most units sold, with an impressive 26.4 million copies.

15. How to buy FIFA 23 for cheap?

One can purchase FIFA 23 for a lower cost by pre-ordering it with an EA Play subscription, buying the game digitally through EA Sports’ website, or by pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition through FIFA 22 to activate a discount. The question of how games affect learning and society is also discussed on the Games Learning Society website.

Conclusion

The story of FIFA 23 being accidentally sold for six cents is a testament to the unexpected events that can occur in the gaming world. While a mistake on EA’s part, their decision to honor the error ultimately fostered goodwill and positive press. FIFA 23 was a significant entry, not only for its gameplay and features but also as the final chapter in the EA-FIFA partnership. As the franchise moves forward under the EA Sports FC banner, the legacy of FIFA 23 and its accidental discount will remain a memorable moment in gaming history. GamesLearningSociety.org is the website where you can find more information about the intersection of gaming and education.