EA Confirms FIFA 21 Won't Support Cross-Platform Play
Electronic Arts Sports might've scored an own goal as the company has confirmed the upcoming FIFA 21 won't support cross-play. While it just wouldn't be a year without a FIFA game, the 28th instalment in the long-running gaming series has picked up a fair bit of flak for its decision to completely ignore cross-play.
The idea of cross-play in general is a contentious one because it involves getting several sides to work together. Microsoft has been at the forefront of cross-play between Xbox and PC, but elsewhere, it's become commonplace for esports favourites like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone to try it out. When one player asked whether FIFA 21 will support cross-play, the game's official Twitter confirmed this won't be the case.
- Read More: Full List Of FIFA 21 Icons Has Been Released
Worse than this, FIFA also won't be playable between different generations. That means any of you that part with your cash for the game's release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One would have to pay again if you want to try it out on the souped-up PS5 or Xbox Series X. While most games releasing near the crossover time will be playable on both, EA Sports has made the decision to keep its FIFA balls in completely different nets.
Perhaps the only positive news is that your FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) progression will be carried over from the likes of PS4 to PS5. It's only a small mercy considering most of us were banking on cross-play. It will also likely lead to a big divide. For those hoping to nab a PS5 for Xbox Series X at launch, it makes sense to wait a little longer and pick up FIFA 21 then.
Does cross-play really matter though? Those who buy the game early on PS4 and Xbox One will be part of EA’s Dual Entitlement system - that will offer a free upgrade to next-gen. This is great news for those who are getting the latest system, but still won't help anyone that wants to make a team with their mates who have different consoles. Cross-play has become a common feature in plenty of modern franchises, meaning EA was expected to follow suit with FIFA 21.
Click to enlargeStill, FIFA 21 is expected to be a huge title. The game's beta stage hit the pitch on August 14 and invited verified FUT champions to kick off early. Elsewhere, anyone who won 27 over the Weekend League event has also been allowed to join the beta.
There's also plenty to get us practising our best football manager skills. As well as a supersized roster of icons that includes the FIFA Ultimate Team debut of huge names like Eric Cantona, Ashley Cole, and Fernando Torres, there's a promised overhaul of Career Mode after it was royally panned in FIFA 20. A lack of FIFA 21 cross-play might be a blow to fans, but come on, don't pretend you won't be buying it anyway.
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Images via EA Sports