How FIFA Could Become a Hyper Casual Game
FIFA is one of the most popular and successful sports video games in the world, with millions of fans and players across the globe. The game is known for its realistic simulation of football, featuring licensed teams, players, stadiums, and tournaments. FIFA is also a complex and challenging game, requiring skill, strategy, and dedication to master.
But what if FIFA could be transformed into a hyper casual game? A hyper casual game is a mobile game that is easy to play, usually free to download, and has minimalistic graphics and user interface. Hyper casual games are designed to be played in short sessions, often while multitasking or waiting for something. They are simple, fun, and addictive, appealing to a wide and casual audience.
In this article, we will explore how FIFA could be turned into a hyper casual game, what are the potential strengths and weaknesses of such a transformation, and how likely it is for this to happen.
How FIFA Could Be a Hyper Casual Game
To make FIFA a hyper casual game, the first thing that would need to change is the gameplay. Instead of a full-fledged football simulation, the game would focus on one or a few core mechanics that are easy to learn and execute. For example, the game could be about scoring goals, passing the ball, or dribbling past defenders. The game would also have simple controls, such as tapping, swiping, or dragging on the screen.
The game would also need to have a simple and attractive graphic style, using bright colors, geometric shapes, and minimal details. The game would not feature any licensed content, such as real teams, players, or stadiums. Instead, the game would use generic or fictional names and designs, or allow the player to customize their own.
The game would also have a short and rewarding feedback loop, giving the player instant gratification for their actions. The game would have various modes, levels, and challenges, each with different objectives, difficulties, and rewards. The game would also have a leaderboard, where the player can compare their scores and achievements with other players.
The game would also be free to download and play, but would generate revenue from ads and in-app purchases. The game would show ads between sessions, or offer the player to watch ads for extra lives, time, or bonuses. The game would also offer in-app purchases for cosmetic items, such as skins, balls, or kits, or for gameplay advantages, such as power-ups, boosts, or upgrades.
Strengths and Weaknesses of FIFA as a Hyper Casual Game
There are some potential strengths and weaknesses of transforming FIFA into a hyper casual game. Some of the strengths are:
- The game would appeal to a larger and more diverse audience, especially those who are not interested in or familiar with football or FIFA.
- The game would be more accessible and convenient, as it would not require a console, a controller, or a long time commitment to play.
- The game would be more fun and engaging, as it would offer a variety of gameplay options, challenges, and rewards.
- The game would be more profitable, as it would have a lower development cost, a higher download rate, and more monetization opportunities.
Some of the weaknesses are:
- The game would lose its identity and uniqueness, as it would not be a faithful representation of football or FIFA.
- The game would alienate its core fan base, who enjoy the realism, complexity, and challenge of FIFA.
- The game would face more competition and saturation, as there are many other hyper casual games in the market, some of which may have similar or better features.
- The game would have a lower quality and longevity, as it would not have the same level of polish, depth, or innovation as FIFA.
How Likely Is FIFA to Become a Hyper Casual Game
Given the current trends and preferences in the mobile gaming industry, it is not very likely that FIFA will become a hyper casual game anytime soon. FIFA is a well-established and successful franchise, with a loyal and passionate fan base, a strong brand recognition, and a high production value. FIFA is also a flagship title for EA Sports, one of the leading publishers and developers of sports video games. EA Sports has a reputation and a responsibility to deliver high-quality and realistic sports simulations, and FIFA is one of their main sources of revenue and prestige.
However, this does not mean that FIFA will ignore or neglect the hyper casual market. FIFA already has a mobile version, called FIFA Mobile, which is a simplified and streamlined version of FIFA, designed for casual and mobile gamers. FIFA Mobile has some elements of hyper casual games, such as simple controls, short sessions, and various modes and challenges. FIFA Mobile also has some features that are unique to mobile gaming, such as live events, social interactions, and daily rewards.
FIFA Mobile is a successful and popular game, with over 100 million downloads and a 4.2 rating on the Google Play Store. FIFA Mobile is also updated regularly, with new content, features, and improvements. FIFA Mobile is a way for EA Sports to cater to the hyper casual audience, without compromising the quality and integrity of FIFA.
Therefore, it is more likely that FIFA will continue to evolve and adapt to the changing preferences and expectations of the mobile gaming market, rather than transform into a hyper casual game. FIFA will still offer a realistic and immersive football simulation, but also provide a fun and accessible experience for casual and mobile gamers. FIFA will also leverage its strengths and advantages, such as its licensed content, its loyal fan base, and its high production value, to stand out from the competition and maintain its position as the leading football video game in the world.