FIFA 23 is the newest installment in one of gaming’s most popular franchises, spanning at least one release a year for almost three decades. To date, more than 320 million FIFA games have been purchased, with some individual installments selling more than 20 million copies. FIFA 23 successfully pulls together two of the world’s most popular pastimes: Soccer (or to most of the world, football) and video games.
Like soccer, FIFA games are easy to play, but difficult to master. It’s notable that many top professional soccer players are avid FIFA players. But what do parents like you need to know about the games? Read on to find out!
What is FIFA 23?
FIFA 23 is a soccer simulation game, the latest in a long-running series, developed and published by Electronic Arts. In FIFA 23 the player can pass, cross, shoot, tackle, and dribble using simple joypad button presses, while working to master more complex tricks and tactical maneuvers. FIFA games are excellent simulations of the physics of soccer, while also giving players a sense of soccer’s passion and grandeur. The stadia, TV commentary, and the details of player’s faces and goal celebrations are all rendered in highly sophisticated detail.
Career mode allows players to live the dream of a career as a professional player or club coach. Ultimate Team challenges players to build a team made up of their favorite players, including legends from the past. Pro Clubs and Volta online modes let the player join up with real world friends and play as an individual soccer player in 11-v-11 games, or with smaller teams in street matches.
What’s New in FIFA 23?
Every year, publisher Electronic Arts seeks to improve its latest FIFA game with new features and tweaks, as well as including all the latest player statistics and trends from the real world of soccer. FIFA 23 is no exception, offering a host of updates and new features.
Over the next year we’re being treated to the men’s World Cup in Qatar, and the women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Both tournaments will be represented in FIFA 23 (these modes won’t be available at launch, but will be added for free later) allowing players to take part in soccer’s biggest competitions.
Source: EA
For the first time, women’s club soccer is also available to play. The English and French leagues are included at launch, with more to follow, as well as international teams. They’ve also added the fictional soccer club from Apple TV’s Ted Lasso as a playable team.
All in all, FIFA 23 features more than 19,000 players, 700 teams, 100 stadiums, 30 leagues, and other elite competitions.
Is FIFA 23 Appropriate for Children?
FIFA 23 is rated E for Everyone, meaning that the content is generally suitable for all ages, with Interactive Elements including Users Interact and In-Game Purchases (Includes Random Items).
FIFA 23 is out on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Google Stadia. Gamers who own different gaming devices (in the same generation) can play one another in online modes. This means players on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Stadia, and PlayStation 5 will be able to enjoy cross-play compatibility. Xbox One and PlayStation 4 owners of FIFA 23 will also be able to play together.
How Much Does FIFA 23 Cost?
FIFA 23 costs $69.99 on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, and $59.99 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. FIFA 23: Legacy Edition costs $39.99 on the Nintendo Switch. That said, it does include the ability to make additional purchases in the FIFA Ultimate Team mode.
Ultimate Team allows players to build a team made up of their favorite professionals. Your kids can “hire” professional soccer players by purchasing random packs (which also include various boosts). It’s important to note that none of this is mandatory; players can earn these packs by playing the game. Winning matches and completing challenges earns in-game currency that your kids can then spend. They can also buy in-game currency using real money, and many players do just this as they seek to perfect their team. Players can also be bought and sold individually (for in-game currency) on an in-game market, using in-game currency.
Make sure you discuss household rules around digital purchases with your kids, and set parental controls to manage spending as a backup!
Playing FIFA 23 Online
While FIFA 23 is rated E for Everyone, it is a good idea to monitor online play.
Most players just want to have a good time and connect via a shared love of soccer and/or video games. But of course, some players may not have a “good time” in the same way. Make sure your kids know that they can always come to you if they encounter anyone behaving poorly. From there, you can work as a team to figure out what to do. And remember that you can block, mute, and/or report players that are behaving inappropriately.
Furthermore, you can set parental controls to proactively manage who your kids are allowed to play with. Some parents may want to limit their kids’ interactions to known friends and family, while others may be OK with allowing their kids to play with strangers. Ultimately, all devices have parental controls options to manage online play.
It’s also worth noting that online play does not require chat, and many players of all ages prefer to play with chat disabled. Online modes can also be switched off entirely, allowing the player to engage with FIFA 23 in a single-player environment.
Parental Controls in FIFA 23
In addition to console parental controls, FIFA games include a system called Playtime, that allows parents to monitor and restrict the amount of time or money players are spending on the game. This means you can allow your children to play online for a set amount of time, or stipulate the amount of money they can spend on the game, even if that amount is zero.
Online play does not require chat!
As always, understanding the games your children are playing is key to making sure they have appropriate experiences. Checking the ratings, researching online, or even by watching your children play for a while is not only a great way to stay informed, but also nurtures a judgment-free environment around something they love! Who knows, you may even want to pick up the controller with them.
Colin Campbell is a freelance journalist whose work has appeared in The Economist, The Guardian, Polygon, IGN, Gamesindustry.biz and more.
