“Normalising in-game purchases for kids since an early age is so f-cking unethical.”
Pressure is mounting against Electronic Arts following the discovery of advertisements promoting FIFA microtransactions in a toy magazine in the UK.
As Wes summarised earlier this week, FUT is FIFA’s most popular game mode and publisher EA’s money spinner, pulling in billions in revenue through the sale of FIFA Points. FIFA Points are used to buy FUT packs, which contain a random assortment of virtual players. It’s this mechanic that makes FUT a pay-to-win competitive online experience – and has sparked a comparison to gambling.
Consequently, the inclusion of the ad in toy shop Smyths’ magazine that promotes FIFA points to children has caused consternation amongst fans, with some calling on a boycott of the series until EA addresses the issue (thanks, VGC).
Been doing it for ages pic.twitter.com/mqzVXcGXaK
— Ben (@StoneoLFC) September 26, 2020
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“I find this extremely wrong as not only is it in a kid’s magazine, but they are actually saying that you should go about the game by buying points and opening packs,” wrote one detractor on Reddit, amongst calls to refer the ads to the UK’s Advertising Standards Agency. “Normalising in-game purchases for kids since an early age is so f-cking unethical.”
“I feel for the parents in this situation as that’s below the belt from EA, but I’m not surprised,” added another.
As we reported yesterday, a FIFA pro recently announced he won’t buy any FIFA Points during the FIFA 21 season. Tim “Tim Latka” Schwartmann – who currently plays for German club FC Schalke 04’s esports team – said he had decided to compete on the professional FIFA circuit this season without spending a penny on FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT).
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