EA Surprises Fans with Unexpected FIFA 23 Ultimate Team Update

In a surprising move, EA has revived FIFA 23 with an unexpected update, inviting players back to experience nostalgic gameplay instead of shutting down the online services as it has done with other titles. This decision comes at an interesting time, as EA FC 25 is currently flourishing with fresh content.

The recent Winter Wild Card promo has introduced various teams filled with new cards, effectively invigorating the game’s current meta. Excitement continues to build with the anticipated release of the Team of the Year cards, generating anticipation among players. Typically, when a new game installment is released, support for older versions diminishes quickly; however, EA has maintained some surprising support for FIFA 23.

EA’s Decision to Update FIFA 23

EA Sports has a well-documented history of discontinuing online server support for older titles. Notable examples include the removal of servers for Battlefield 3, Battlefield 4, and Battlefield Hardline on PS3 and Xbox 360 last November. Additionally, FIFA 22’s servers have been shut down, and FIFA 23 was recently excluded from the EA Play platform.

Yet, just as many thought FIFA 23 was lost to the annals of gaming history, EA delivered an update that has stirred curiosity. Content creator Riggers noted a new objective in FIFA 23, allowing players to list one card for a generous reward of 30,000 XP toward completing the season. This development has sparked conversations among the player community regarding EA’s motivations behind this update.

EA have dropped this Objective on Fifa 23, list 1 card and you get 30k XP to complete the Season 😂There is still 30k Items listed on the Market for that game atm pic.twitter.com/PckyFbHoRO

— Riggers (@UniqueRiggers) December 30, 2024

The current state of the transfer market, with approximately 30,000 items listed, suggests a vibrant community still engaged with FIFA 23. Observers note that the simple requirement of listing one card as part of the new objective indicates EA’s intention to prolong the life of FIFA 23 while rewarding its dedicated players.

Player Sentiment & Community Engagement

While the underlying reasons for FIFA 23’s enduring popularity remain a point of speculation, the community response is palpable. Players have commented on the game’s quality, with one user claiming it to be “one of the best FIFAs of recent years.”Another echoed this sentiment, emphasizing its improved gameplay dynamics.

In a landscape where most retired EA games fade into oblivion, FIFA 23 stands out as a notable exception, continuing to foster an active player base. This rare revival highlights EA’s recognition of player loyalty and the potential for lasting engagement beyond the traditional lifespan of video game titles.

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