'FIFA 23' Will Bring Back Its Most Controversial Feature, Says EA

It’s just over a month to go until the release of FIFA 23, and with a massive Career Mode overhaul to look forward to, as well as the inclusion of cross-platform play for the first time in the series (albeit with a catch), there’s loads for fans to be excited about.

Take a look at the trailer for FIFA 23 below.

However, as reported by Eurogamer, EA has now confirmed that loot boxes will be making a return in the upcoming title’s Ultimate Team mode, despite a recent legal battle against the KSA (Dutch authority for gambling and related gaming matters), which eventually saw the company dodge a €10 million fine after it was ruled that FIFA’s loot boxes don’t count as gambling.

“We wholeheartedly believe that Ultimate Team and FUT Packs, which have been part of the game for more than a decade, are a part of FIFA that players love - fans love that the game reflects the real-world excitement and strategy of building and managing a squad,” EA told Eurogamer in a statement. “Giving players the choice to spend if they want to is fair.

“It's worth saying that spending is entirely optional in our game, and we do not encourage spending over earning rewards through game play,” EA continued. “FUT Packs work in just the same way whether they are paid for or earned, and most players don't spend in game at all. For example, nine out of 10 FUT Packs opened in FIFA 22 were earned.”

FIFA 23 will release on 30 September, with its Ultimate Edition coming slightly sooner, on 27 September.