The evolution of FIFA: 1994 - 2013

Electronic Arts has been releasing its series of football games annually since 1994 and in this feature, we take a look at each of them. The series has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises ever. Mostly recognised as one of the biggest sports game in the gaming industry, FIFA has had its share of criticism, but that had no effect on the FIFA sales, which is still rising by as much as 23 percent year-over-year, making it the most profitable EA Sports title, owing to the global fan following of the series.

The first one in the line, it was released on 15 July 1993. Owning to the 16-bit graphics, the players, the field and the spectators aren’t animated properly. The screen reaction isn’t smooth, not like you would expect it to be, especially when you are passing the ball. The game came out with the tag-line: “FIFA International Soccer has it all… experience sheer brilliance” and rightly so, as it was a game that changed the whole outlook in the gaming industry. The game was number one in the UK charts, replacing Street Fighter II Special Champion Edition, and staying there for a full six months. David Platt and Piotr ?wierczewski served as the cover stars.

Here’s a game-play preview:

 

Released on the 8th of July, 1994, FIFA 95 was the second installment of the FIFA franchise. This time the game included clubs from eight leagues, with teams from Germany, Brazil, England, Spain, France, USA, Italy and Netherlands. Former Norwegian goalkeeper Erik Thorstvedt featured in the cover photo, with Alexi Lalas in some versions. “The best console football can get” was used as the tagline. Quite bold!

Here’s a game-play preview:

The third instalment in the popular game was the first in the series to feature real-time 3D graphics on the Sega Saturn, PlayStation, 32X, and DOS versions, using technology called “Virtual Stadium”. It was released on the first of July, ’95 and featured Frank de Boer and Jason McAteer in its cover. It was also the first one in the series with come up with players with real names and positions, with ranking, transfer and team customisation tools. The game was eventually a bestseller in the United Kingdom.

Here’s a game-play preview: