Geek Preview: Equality Is The Core Of Gameplay Innovation In ‘FIFA 23’

As 2022 moves towards the backend of the year, it means the time has come for EA to roll out the red carpet for another FIFA game. However, this year is a little bit different, considering the fact that FIFA 23 will be the last to have that name following the end of the partnership between football’s governing body and the video games giant. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to changes for FIFA 23, with gameplay naturally seeing the most attention.

Powered by the new HyperMotion2 technology that provides the underlying power for everything in FIFA 23, the action on the pitch needs some getting used to. There is a ton of stuff that has been tweaked under the hood, and while we can’t share the full details just yet, just know that it’s enough to make this year’s entry feel closer to the actual game itself, even if the marketing can be over the top.

Players move more naturally with more heft to them, the ball physics have been improved, and striking the ball well and in the best situations will give you the likeliest of outcomes, with goalkeepers tuned to behave more realistically.

The addition of the Power Shot, a move that requires some time to line up along with manual aiming, gives offensive players a chance to score some spectacular screamers when space is afforded to them, while the redesign of set pieces replaces that awful targeting system that was in FIFA 22. It is more precise, easy to understand, and more importantly, more fun to engage with.

For those wondering if pace will remain the meta in FIFA 23 gameplay, there have been some meaningful adjustments made that give us hope. Hopefully, what we have experienced will continue to be improved as the launch gets near.

The reveal that Chelsea star Sam Kerr is going to be on the cover is also not just a marketing stunt, in fact, FIFA 23 lives up to the billing of being the biggest FIFA game yet thanks to the inclusion of FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 and authentic women club teams and leagues. This is in addition to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, which is simply impressive.

There is also the excellent decision to add women’s club teams for the first time in franchise history, with both the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema available at launch.

It is not just a reskin either, with gameplay in FIFA 23 differing when you are playing as the men or the women. For the first time, EA is giving the women the same bells and whistles, which means animation and motion capture have been carried out to deliver an authentic but different experience when you take to the pitch.

EA has also made cross-play possible in FIFA 23, but with some caveats. You will be able to play with your mates as long as they are on the same console generation, meaning PS5, Xbox Series X|S and Stadia players can get together, while PS4 and Xbox One players will have their own universe. This will be limited to 1v1 modes at launch, although that might change with time.

Also, for PC players, more good news, FIFA 23 on PC will finally move to the current generation engine and ecosystem, so no more lagging behind and getting a less-than-ideal product.

All in all, EA is definitely keeping to their promise for FIFA 23 to be the most connected and accessible game yet, on more than just a gameplay level, but also in terms of welcoming the women’s game into the fold.

More about FIFA 23 other features and innovations will be shared in the coming days, so be sure to keep an eye out, or just stick by our side as the launch date of 30 September gets closer.