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Will FIFA 23 Cost Money? The Ultimate Pricing Guide and FAQs

Yes, FIFA 23 initially cost money to purchase. However, its availability through subscription services and eventual price drops after launch provide multiple avenues for players to access the game at varying costs or even essentially for “free” with a subscription. Understanding these options is crucial for any football gaming enthusiast.

Understanding FIFA 23 Pricing and Access

Initial Purchase Price

Upon its release, FIFA 23 was available in several editions, each with its own price point:

Standard Edition: This was the base version of the game, available for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles. The PC version was generally priced lower than the console versions, around $59.99.
Ultimate Edition: This premium edition included additional in-game content, such as FUT points and early access. It was priced at $99.99 for Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC.
Legacy Editions: For older consoles like Nintendo Switch, the game was offered as a “Legacy Edition,” which featured updated rosters and kits but lacked the advanced gameplay features of the current-generation versions. These were generally cheaper than the standard editions.

Access Through Subscription Services

One significant way to access FIFA 23 without a direct purchase was through EA Play.

EA Play: Subscribers to EA Play gained access to FIFA 23 starting May 16th. This essentially allowed members to play the full game as part of their subscription. An EA Play membership also granted a 10% discount on the purchase of FIFA 23, and other EA titles, and member-only rewards.
EA Play Pro: This premium tier of EA Play provided access to the EA Play Pro Edition of FIFA 23, which included even more in-game content and deluxe-edition features.

Price Drops and Discounts

Like most video games, FIFA 23 saw price reductions over time. The most notable discounts typically occurred during major sales events:

Black Friday: This is where you could find the best deals, with potential savings of up to 30% compared to the standard retail price. Online retailers often started their Black Friday deals early.
Other Sales: Discounts were also common during other seasonal sales periods, such as the holidays and summer sales.

The Rebrand to EA Sports FC 24

It’s important to remember that FIFA 23 was the last game in the FIFA series under the partnership between EA and FIFA. The subsequent game has been rebranded as EA Sports FC 24, signifying a new chapter for the franchise.

FIFA 23: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will FIFA 23 become free to play entirely?

While FIFA 23 was not initially free-to-play, its inclusion in EA Play libraries essentially allowed subscribers to play the full game without purchasing it individually. The game has been superseded by EA Sports FC 24 and is unlikely to transition to a free-to-play model given its age.

2. How much cheaper did FIFA 23 get after launch?

The amount of the price drop varied depending on the retailer and the sale event. However, during Black Friday, you could expect to see discounts of up to 30% or more off the original retail price.

3. Is EA Play worth it for FIFA 23?

If you were a dedicated FIFA player and enjoyed other EA titles, EA Play was definitely worth considering. It provided access to FIFA 23 and a library of other games, plus member-only rewards and discounts. Now that EA Sports FC 24 has been released, EA Play would grant access to that title instead.

4. What was the cheapest way to buy FIFA 23?

The cheapest way to obtain FIFA 23 involved a combination of factors:

EA Play Discount: Subscribing to EA Play granted a 10% discount on the digital purchase.
Digital Purchase: Buying the game digitally through EA Sports’ website was often cheaper than purchasing a physical copy.
Pre-Order Discount: If you owned FIFA 22, you could sometimes find a pre-order discount for FIFA 23 within the game.

5. How does FIFA 23 gameplay differ from FIFA 22?

FIFA 23 featured improved graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and enhanced AI behavior. Dribbling, shooting, and goalkeeper synchronization were noticeably better. The overall gameplay felt more natural, balanced, and dynamic compared to FIFA 22.

6. Can I play FIFA 23 alone?

Yes, FIFA 23 could be played solo in various modes, including Kick-Off mode against AI opponents and Career Mode, where you manage a club.

7. What are the benefits of EA Play?

EA Play offers several advantages:

Access to a library of top EA titles.
Exclusive player benefits and rewards.
Early trials of selected new-release games (up to 10 hours of playtime).
A 10% discount on EA digital purchases.

8. What is Career Mode in FIFA 23?

Career Mode allowed you to take charge of a football club (real or fictional), manage its finances, buy and sell players, and compete for trophies. It was one of the most popular features of FIFA 23.

9. Why is FIFA 23 considered hard to play?

FIFA 23’s difficulty stemmed from several factors:

Complex gameplay mechanics that require time to master.
A competitive online environment in Ultimate Team (FUT).
The need to build a strong team in FUT to compete effectively.

10. How much does FIFA 23 cost on Xbox Series X and PS5?

The original launch prices were:

Standard Edition: Approximately $69.99
Ultimate Edition: $99.99

Prices decreased over time, especially during sales events.

11. What are FUT coins, and why are they important?

FUT coins are the in-game currency used in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) to buy player packs and individual players from the transfer market. They are essential for building a competitive team in FUT.

12. What is the cheapest 85-rated player in FIFA 23 Ultimate Team?

Based on general market trends, some of the cheapest 85-rated players in FIFA 23 Ultimate Team included:

Aubameyang
Vardy
Iago Aspas
Sule
Foden

These players were often available for around 5,000 to 6,000 coins.

13. What is the cheapest striker in FIFA 23 Career Mode with high potential?

Several young strikers offered good potential at a low price:

Dane Scarlett
Rodrigo Ribeiro
Liam Delap
Jovanny Bolivar
Kayky

14. When did FIFA 23 release?

FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition: September 27, 2022
FIFA 23 Standard Edition: September 30, 2022

15. Why was FIFA rebranded as EA Sports FC?

The name change happened because EA Sports and FIFA ended their 20-year partnership. They couldn’t agree on a renewed deal, leading to the rebranding.

Understanding the pricing strategies, subscription options, and the game’s lifecycle is crucial for any player looking to maximize their value when engaging with the FIFA franchise. The strategies employed with FIFA 23 offer a range of possibilities for engagement, something that the Games Learning Society explores within the context of the educational and societal impact of games. To learn more about the intersection of games and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

In conclusion, while FIFA 23 initially cost money, various options like EA Play subscriptions and post-launch discounts offered alternative access routes. With the franchise now under the EA Sports FC banner, understanding these models remains relevant for future football gaming experiences.

Will FIFA 23 cost money?