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What Time Does FIFA 23 Release on the 27th? The Definitive Guide

The short and sweet answer is: FIFA 23’s early access release time on September 27th was midnight, local time. This meant that as soon as the clock struck 12:00 AM in your specific time zone on September 27th, those with early access were able to dive into the game. But, of course, the world of FIFA releases is rarely that simple. Let’s delve into the specifics and answer all your burning questions about FIFA release times, early access, and everything in between.

Understanding FIFA Release Timelines: More Than Just a Date

FIFA releases are meticulously planned events, strategically staggered to maximize hype and cater to different player groups. Understanding the various release windows—early access, full release, trial periods—is crucial for knowing when you can hit the virtual pitch. EA Sports employs a tiered system, rewarding loyal fans and subscribers with exclusive early access periods. This not only drives pre-orders and subscriptions but also creates a buzz that extends to the full release.

The Early Access Advantage

Early access is a crucial concept here. This granted those who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23 the privilege of playing the game three days before its official launch. This head start allowed these players to get a jump on building their Ultimate Team, mastering the new gameplay mechanics, and generally experiencing the game before the masses. The anticipation surrounding early access is always immense, fueled by social media buzz and eager streamers showcasing the new features.

Midnight Launches: A Global Affair

FIFA’s official release follows a midnight local time rollout. This means that the game unlocks in each time zone as soon as it hits midnight on the release date. For players in New Zealand, this often meant they could start playing hours before those in North America. This staggered release approach is designed to prevent server overloads and ensure a smoother launch experience for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About FIFA 23 Release Times

Here are 15 frequently asked questions addressing various aspects of FIFA 23’s release, designed to provide a complete understanding of how and when players could access the game. Remember, this information applied to FIFA 23, and future releases may have slightly different timings.

Can I still play FIFA 23 before the official release date? No, the early access period for FIFA 23 has already passed. The game was fully released on September 30, 2022. The article mentions EA Play Subscribers have access to the game however access does not guarantee long term access.
What did I need to do to get early access to FIFA 23? You needed to pre-order the Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23. This granted you access to the game starting on September 27, 2022.
Does an EA Play subscription give me early access to the full game of FIFA? No, an EA Play subscription did not grant full early access to FIFA 23. Instead, it provided a 10-hour trial that you could play before the game’s full release.
What time did the 10-hour trial become available on September 26th? The 10-hour trial via EA Play became available on September 26th, preceding both early access and the full release.
If I pre-ordered the standard edition of FIFA 23, did I get early access? No, pre-ordering the standard edition did not provide early access. Early access was exclusively for those who pre-ordered the Ultimate Edition.
Why was there a difference in release time for the EA app for Windows? If you pre-ordered the game on the EA app for Windows, the release time was 4:00 AM BST, which was later than the midnight local time release on other platforms. This discrepancy can be due to platform-specific configurations.
Was it possible to change my console region to play FIFA 23 early? While changing your Xbox account region to New Zealand could potentially allow you to access the digital version of the game a little earlier, this was not officially supported and could sometimes lead to unforeseen issues.
When did all Ultimate Edition content become available? All Ultimate Edition content became available starting from September 27, 2022, coinciding with the early access launch.
How long did the FIFA 23 Ones to Watch Player Item last? The Ones to Watch Player Item was available from September 30, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. GMT.
Why was FIFA 23 no longer available for purchase as a download? The delisting of FIFA 23 from digital stores was likely due to the expiration of the EA and FIFA licensing deal, marking the end of a nearly 30-year partnership. The game would become EA Sports FC.
What is EA Sports FC? EA Sports FC is the new name for EA’s football video game franchise after the termination of their partnership with FIFA.
Is FIFA 23 region-locked? The article states that the game is Region Free or Region Unlocked and would work on all systems.
Can I still play FIFA 23 if I subscribe to EA Play now? Yes, FIFA 23 is available to EA Play subscribers through “The Play List,” but access is not guaranteed long-term.
When did FIFA 22 get released? FIFA 22 was released worldwide on October 1, 2021.
Will there be early access with EA Sports FC? As with FIFA 23, early access to EA Sports FC will likely be available either by pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition or through an EA Play subscription.

The Evolution of Sports Gaming

The strategies employed in FIFA’s release are not unique to this franchise; they reflect a broader trend in the sports gaming industry. Game developers leverage early access, exclusive content, and staggered releases to generate excitement, reward loyal fans, and maximize profits. The impact of these releases extends beyond just playing the game, as they often drive discussions, content creation, and community engagement. The Games Learning Society offers in-depth research and insights into the broader impact of gaming on society. The shift from FIFA to EA Sports FC also showcases how brands adapt and evolve in the ever-changing digital landscape. Understanding these trends helps players and industry enthusiasts stay informed about the latest developments in the world of sports gaming.

Conclusion: Mastering the Release Game

Understanding the intricacies of FIFA release times, early access perks, and platform-specific nuances can significantly enhance your gaming experience. While the specific details of past FIFA releases may no longer be relevant, the underlying principles remain consistent. By staying informed about pre-order bonuses, subscription benefits, and official announcements, you can ensure that you’re always ready to dive into the latest FIFA installment as soon as possible. Knowing the exact moment you can play gives you that competitive edge, enabling you to start building your Ultimate Team and conquering the virtual pitch before everyone else. And remember, for deeper insights into the impact of gaming, explore resources like GamesLearningSociety.org.

What time does FIFA release on the 27th?