Developers working on EA Sports FC 27 have responded to player concerns regarding monetization in the game's newly revealed open-world mode, addressing worries that the feature might mirror heavily monetized hubs found in other sports video games.
Quick Facts
- New Mode: 'The Grounds' acts as a social open-world hub for exploring with friends and playing soccer-themed minigames.
- Clubs Integration: The character controlled in the open world is the same player who signs for a friend's team.
- Beta Date: The closed beta goes live on August 5, letting players test The Grounds alongside Ultimate Team and Career Mode.
The Grounds Monetization Plans Explained
Following the reveal of The Grounds, community members voiced concerns that the mode would rely heavily on real-money purchases for cosmetic items, drawing comparisons to NBA 2K's City features. Speaking at a preview event, Producer Karthik Venkateshan clarified the studio's stance on how rewards and spending will function in the game.
According to Venkateshan, the primary design intent focuses on earning rewards based on time spent and power earned without requiring real-money spend. However, microtransactions will exist within the mode.
Rather than offering a way for active players to get ahead of the competition, these spending options are targeted at users returning from a break who need help closing the level gap with the rest of the community over a span of months.
Closed Beta Availability
Players looking to evaluate the balance of progression and social features firsthand will not have to wait long. The EA FC 27 Closed Beta opens on August 5, granting early access to The Grounds, alongside updates to Ultimate Team—which introduces card grading and signed items—and community-driven Career Mode challenges.