FIFA 23 has today been officially unveiled by EA Sports, with the release date and a collection of new features being revealed for the first time.
After weeks of anticipation, EA have revealed the official trailer for FIFA 23 along with an abundance of information about their upcoming release, in what is EA's final instalment in their FIFA series. It was revealed earlier this year that EA and FIFA would be putting an end to their 30-year partnership, making FIFA 23 the final FIFA game made by EA. FIFA 23 will be released in the UK and worldwide on Friday September 30, 2022.
With FIFA 23 being EA's grand finale with FIFA, fans have had high expectations in the build-up to first look at the new game. EA announced the cover stars of the Standard and Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23 earlier this week, with PSG's Kylian Mbappe and Chelsea Women's Sam Kerr the global faces of the game.
So, what's new in FIFA 23? Let's take a look.
FIFA 23 HyperMotion2 Technology
"Advances to HyperMotion gameplay technology with twice as much match data capture unlock new features and brings over 6000 authentic animations taken from millions of frames of advanced match capture to FIFA 23."
HyperMotion has received a big update for FIFA 23, now known as HyperMotion 2. In FIFA 22, HyperMotion was made using advanced 11v11 match capture to capture one full game with professional teams, but in FIFA 23, the Xsens suits were used to capture two full 90-minute games and five training drills - one for a men's game, the other for a women's.
The use of advanced 11v11 match capture is to give FIFA 23 the most realistic, fluid and true-to-life animations. Using the advanced 11v11 match capture helps with EA's machine learning, their cutting-edge machine learning algorithm which is used to bring more football realism to FIFA 23. The machine learning learns from 9.2 million frames captured in the advanced match capture and then writes new animations in real time to create realistic and new football motions.
The use of the advanced match capture was to help create a full team authentic motion, with the Xsens suits capturing over 6000 HyperMotion enabled animations. EA has also introduced a new dribbling system in FIFA 23, using machine learning to deliver next-gen graphics.
Between each touch, animation transitions are informed by machine learning, resulting in a fluid and ultra-responsive dribbling movement. Machine learning was also used in FIFA 23 for jockeying, taking real-life defensive situations from the advanced match capture to rewrite the jockey system and create natural defensive animations.
Another new mechanic used to make FIFA 23 as realistic as possible is acceleration, called AcceleRATE. AcceleRATE provides a realistic layer of personality which decides how players reach their top speed in FIFA 23.
New animations powered by HyperMotion 2 also mean that we will see more realistic shooting situations in FIFA 23 with longer and more realistic animations between when a player controls the ball and shoots. Goalkeepers are also continuing to evolve, with 'keepers now rising to meet aerial balls in a more realistic animation.
FIFA World Cup
"Experience the pinnacle of international football with the men’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023, with more information to follow in the build-up to each tournament."
A fan-favourite mode in past FIFA's, both the men's and women's FIFA World Cups will be featured in FIFA 23 with both tournaments falling under the same FIFA calendar. EA has also stated that more information on the Women’s World Cup will follow in the build-up to the tournament.
Women’s Football
"Play as women’s club teams for the first time in EA SPORTS FIFA history as the Barclays FA Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema come to FIFA 23 at launch. Plus, enjoy dedicated HyperMotion2 capture that powers the women’s game to make female players move authentically in FIFA 23."
For the first time in FIFA history, we will be getting women's clubs and leagues in a FIFA title. For the past few years, the only inclusion of women's football has been international teams, but now players can use teams from the Women's Super League (WSL) or Division 1 Arkema at launch, will more to coom post launch.
Following the announcement that Chelsea's Kerr will be on the cover of the game, the confirmation that women's leagues will be included is a fantastic addition to the game. Right now, there are only two leagues, though more could be added later on in FIFA 23.
Gameplay
"A new risk versus reward shooting mechanic, refreshed free kicks, penalties and corners, and more realistic physics bring the variety of football to The World’s Game."
The newest additions to the gameplay of FIFA 23 are the new shooting mechanics and set pieces, with a high-risk, high-reward element added to shooting in the upcoming release. Called 'Power Shots', triggering this will increase the speed your shot travels towards the goal.
But, the more power you use, the less accuracy you have when aiming, meaning your aim must be perfect to score a screamer.
The redesigned set pieces in FIFA 23 gives players more control over set pieces, with players able to choose where they make contact with the ball.
As always, EA has updated the on-pitch physics, even down to the smallest details such as natural body physics. Now, if you were to make a block or a save with your arm, leg, or even the 'keeper's fingertip, the limb will move in a realistic manner to match the impact.
Players also have an all-around better awareness system in FIFA 23, with players able to avoid tackles and collisions with intelligent movement. New net interaction physics also means that players will react when running into the net, rather than just acting as if nothing happened.
A bunch of new animations have also been added to FIFA 23, giving your gameplay more variety. You can now score impressive diving headers or with low, dipping and bouncing shots, defending wise you can make hard clearance sliding tackles, physical tackles and even backheel tackles, and there are also a bunch of new ways to pass including outside of the foot passes, off-the-back passes and volley passes.
AI opponents are now smarter, with new tactical enhancements making the AI better at reacting to the score, time left in the game, remaining substitutes and change in formations/ playing style.
Training Centre
"A new coaching system helps introduce new and less experienced players to the fundamentals of gameplay, with a series of challenges and chapters to help you improve your game."
New FIFA players can perfect their trade in the all-new training centre, a system which helps teach players with less experience the basics of FIFA. This includes a collection of different challenges to make sure they can get the best possible gameplay experience.
Crossplay
"Play together against friends on different platforms as FIFA 23 introduces crossplay in 1v1 modes across FIFA Ultimate TeamTM, Online Seasons, Online Friendlies, and more."
One of the most demanded features by FIFA fans over the past few years, EA has finally listened and introduced crossplay, but it's not all good news though. The addition of crossplay is fantastic as it allows players on different platforms to play against each other, but with EA adding crossplay to 1v1 modes in FIFA 23, it means Pro Clubs will not have crossplay.
Arguably the game mode that would've benefitted the most from crossplay, Pro Clubs will not be included in the crossplay game modes at launch. Players on the same generation of FIFA can play each other, meaning Xbox One/PlayStation 4 players cannot face anyone on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, Stadia or PC.
The game modes where crossplay will feature are Online Friendlies and FIFA Ultimate Team in FUT Play A Friend. Plus, compete against players on different platforms in Online Seasons, FUT Online Friendlies, FUT Rivals, FUT Champions, and FUT Online Draft.
FIFA 23 Ultimate Team
"FUT Moments and a revamped Chemistry system give you a whole new way to play and build your dream squad, as new ICONs and FUT Heroes join the game’s most popular mode."
The most popular game mode in FIFA, Ultimate Team has become a lot more literal this year, with a whole new, updated chemistry system allowing players to build more creative, 'ultimate' teams. The new chemistry system provides major flexibility in squads whilst not having to be too worried about your team's chemistry rating.
Another new feature added to Ultimate Team is a new game mode, FUT Moments. FUT Moments is a brand-new, scenario-based game mode.
FIFA 23 Career Mode
"Define your personality as a player, manage as some of football’s most famous names, and enjoy a new way to play your season with Playable Highlights in the most authentic FIFA Career Mode experience to date."
Career Mode is always a very popular game mode in FIFA, and in FIFA 23, continue to live the authentic experience of some of football’s biggest tournaments and leagues including the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga Santander, and many more.
Pro Clubs & VOLTA Football
EA have almost merged both Pro Clubs and VOLTA together in FIFA 23, with a shared entry point bringing both game modes together. Create your Virtual Pro to play through both modes, on the street and in the stadium whilst earning Pro Clubs XP, no matter which of the two game modes you play.
Authenticity
"Play The World’s Game with over 19,000 players, 700+ teams, 100 stadiums and over 30 leagues in FIFA 23."
With full licensing for the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, CONMEBOL Sudamericana, Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga Santander, Barclays FA Women’s Super League and France D1 Arkema, FIFA 23 is the biggest football game in the world. With over 9,000+ players across 700+ teams in over 100 stadiums and over 30 leagues, you can't question FIFA 23's authenticity.
What are your first thoughts on FIFA 23? Let us know in the comments below!
FIFA 23 is developed by EA Vancouver and EA Romania and will be available worldwide on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4, and Xbox One on September 30. Early access for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition begins on September 27, 2022.
