Blast from the Past: Unpacking the OG FIFA Game That Started It All
Ever wondered where FIFA began? Let’s travel back. A time when graphics were rough and gameplay was simpler than grandma’s recipes.
We’re discussing FIFA International Soccer, the first FIFA game, released in 1993. Yes, 1993! Think dial-up internet and grunge music. That’s our era.
The Genesis (and Mega Drive) of FIFA
This football revolution did not start on modern consoles like PlayStation 5. The OG FIFA game debuted on SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis. For the kids, that’s a retro console. It was cooler than sliced bread back then.
Before reaching other platforms, SEGA Mega Drive/Genesis was FIFA’s first home. This platform was where a gaming empire began to rise.
Isometric Football and 48 Nations: Groundbreaking Stuff!
What made this game legendary? First, its unique isometric view. Forget side-scrolling soccer games; FIFA ’93 gave an angled perspective. It resembled watching from the stands, if the stands were pixels.
And it packed a staggering 48 national teams! In 1993, that was like having the world at your fingertips. You could control your nation or pick a random one as they all seemed alike.
From FIFA to EA Sports FC: A Rebranding Saga
Fast forward through countless releases and controller-throwing moments. We reach a huge change in the FIFA world. After decades, the FIFA name is gone. Welcome to EA Sports FC.
Enter EA Sports FC: The New Kid on the Block
The latest version, EA Sports FC 24, dropped on September 29, 2023. Remember this date, folks. EA Sports FC 25, some may still call it FIFA 25, releases on September 27, 2024. It’s your annual digital football fix with a fresh coat of paint.
EA FC 25, or FIFA 25 for old fans, is EA Sports’ revamped football simulation. It’s the beloved game, just without FIFA branding.
FIFA 23: The End of an Era
When did the FIFA name retire from EA Sports? That’s FIFA 23, released on September 27, 2022. It marked the last dance under the FIFA banner before the big change.
FIFA 23 became the final hurrah for the classic partnership. Think of it as a farewell tour…for video games.
Why the Divorce? Money, Honey!
What caused this monumental split? Like many times in life, it came down to money. There was a disagreement over licensing costs. FIFA wanted more cash for its name, and EA said, “Nah, we’re good.”
EA concluded that paying a hefty sum just for the FIFA logo was not worth it. They believed their game was strong enough to stand alone without FIFA’s approval. Thus, EA Sports FC emerged.
Decoding FIFA: It’s More Than Just a Game Title
You know FIFA, you play FIFA games, but do you know what FIFA stands for? Prepare for some trivia: it’s short for Fédération Internationale de Football Association.
This translates to International Federation of Association Football. Fancy, right? FIFA oversees international soccer, futsal, and beach soccer. They set rules, organize the World Cup, and manage global football events.
A Whirlwind Tour of FIFA Release Dates (Because We’re Thorough)
For die-hard FIFA history buffs, here’s a quick rundown of major FIFA release dates. Consider this a FIFA release speedrun:
| Game Title | Initial Release Date |
| FIFA Soccer 95 | November 10, 1994 |
| FIFA Soccer 96 | September 30, 1995 |
| FIFA 97 | 1996 |
| FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 | June 17, 1997 |
| FIFA 99 | November 20, 1998 |
| FIFA 2000 | 1999 |
| FIFA 2001 | October 30, 2000 |
| FIFA 07 | September 25, 2006 |
| FIFA 11 | September 28, 2010 (North America) |
| FIFA 12 | September 27, 2011 |
| FIFA 13 | September 25, 2012 |
| FIFA 14 | September 24, 2013 (North America) |
| FIFA 16 | September 22, 2015 |
| FIFA 17 | September 2016 |
| FIFA 18 | September 29, 2017 |
| FIFA 19 | September 28, 2018 |
FIFA Fun Facts: Random Tidbits for Your Brain
Want to impress your friends with your FIFA knowledge? Here are some fun facts:
- FIFA Age Rating: Generally considered suitable for young players with a PEGI 3 in the UK and E for Everyone in the US. Yet online features might require older players (13+).
- FIFA’s Full Name: As mentioned, it’s Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Try saying that fast after some drinks.
- Who Invented Soccer? Plot twist: no one invented soccer alone. Modern soccer or “association football” emerged in 19th-century England. The Football Association (FA), formed in 1863, helped set rules. Ebenezer Morley is called the FA’s “father” for his efforts.
- Soccer Team Size: In standard games, there are 11 players per team on the pitch. That makes for 22 actors chasing a ball.
- FC? In football lingo, “FC” just means Football Club. Mind-blown.
World Cup and UEFA: Just a Quick Detour
A brief stop on our football journey about key terms:
- First FIFA World Cup: Uruguay hosted and won the first 1930 FIFA World Cup. Talk about home turf!
- World Cup Kings: Brazil: has won the World Cup trophy a record-breaking 5 times. Those samba-dancing players know their stuff.
- UEFA?: That’s the Union of European Football Associations. They oversee European football events like the Champions League and Euros.
This is it! From pixelated pitches of 1993 to today’s slick stadiums of EA Sports FC, FIFA’s evolution is wild. Who knows what future holds for digital football? Flying cars in stadiums? VR football where you feel tackles? Time will tell.
