neelakolkar2001@gmail.com
Email copied!
EA-Sports FC25
Breaking Down the Play: A UX and Heuristic Analysis of the EA Sports FC 25 🎮
About
EA (Electronic Arts):
EA is a global leader in video game publishing, known for popular franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, and The Sims. They focus on creating immersive experiences across various genres.
EA Sports FC 25 (EAFC 25):
EAFC 25 is the first game in EA's football series after parting ways with FIFA. It offers realistic gameplay, multiple game modes (Career, Pro Clubs, Ultimate Team), and updated mechanics, graphics, and player customization.
The Research:
This project aims to evaluate the user experience of EA Sports FC 25 using Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics. We’ll assess aspects like system feedback, real-world match representation, user control, consistency, and design to identify usability issues and areas for improvement. The goal is to provide insights for enhancing the overall player experience.
ROLE
UX Researcher
TIMELINE
3 Months
LOCATION
India (Remote)
1.2K+
Total visits across all socials
Challenge
& Goal
Challenge:
EA Sports FC 25 aims to deliver an immersive football experience, but usability issues could impact player satisfaction and engagement.
Goal:
The goal of this research is to conduct a thorough heuristic evaluation of EA Sports FC 25 to identify usability challenges that may hinder the player experience. By applying Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics, we aim to analyze critical aspects of the game, such as user interface design, player controls, feedback mechanisms, and overall flow. The objective is to pinpoint areas for improvement that will make the game more intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable for players, ensuring a smoother and more engaging football simulation experience.
Key Features
User-Centered Design:
EAFC 25’s interface is designed with the player in mind, focusing on ease of navigation and minimizing cognitive load, ensuring that users can interact with the game efficiently and comfortably.
Responsive Controls:
The game provides responsive controls, with real-time input processing, ensuring that player actions (e.g., dribbling, passing, shooting) are immediately reflected on-screen, creating a seamless interaction between the player and the game.Feedback Systems:
Visual, auditory, and haptic feedback are used to communicate system status, actions, and results, helping users understand the consequences of their interactions and guiding them throughout the game.Personalization and Customization:
EAFC 25 allows players to tailor controls, gameplay settings, and even the visual interface to their preferences, empowering users and supporting a more individualized experience.Error Prevention and Recovery:
The game’s UI is designed to minimize user errors (e.g., accidental selections) and provides clear options for recovery, such as undoing actions or confirming choices, ensuring a smoother user experience.Consistent Interaction Patterns:
The game maintains consistent design patterns and controls across various modes, making it easy for players to transfer their knowledge and skills between different areas of the game (e.g., Career Mode, Ultimate Team).Inclusive Design:
EAFC 25 includes accessibility features like colorblind modes, customizable text sizes, and remappable controls, ensuring that users with diverse physical abilities can engage with the game effectively.
Research Methodology
In this research, I conducted a heuristic evaluation of EA Sports FC 25 to assess its user experience (UX) and human-computer interaction (HCI) design. My methodology combines insights from EA's official resources, firsthand gameplay experiences, and community feedback. Additionally, I drew upon principles from previous Electronic Arts (EA) Virtual Internships to inform my analysis.
Methodology
Official Resources:
I examined EA's official website and press releases to understand the design philosophy and features of EA Sports FC 25.Firsthand Gameplay:
I engaged in multiplayer sessions with friends to gain practical insights into the game's interface, controls, and overall user experience.Community Feedback:
I analyzed discussions and reviews from platforms like Reddit and EA's Answers HQ to gather diverse user perspectives.EA Virtual Internship Insights:
Drawing from previous EA Virtual Internship projects, I applied industry-standard UX evaluation methods to my analysis.
Analysis & Evaluation Framework
1. Visibility of System Status
The game does a good job providing real-time feedback with on-screen notifications and score updates, keeping players informed about game progress. For example, the score and time counters update immediately after goals or fouls, offering players a clear view of the game status. However, certain in-game events, such as tactical changes or when players are substituted, could benefit from more immediate and clearer feedback to avoid confusion.
What I learned: Maintaining constant visibility of system status ensures players are always aware of the game's state, which is crucial for smooth gameplay.
Recommendation: Enhance the visibility of key events like substitutions and tactical changes by adding distinct, timely on-screen cues or animations to alert the player.
Sourced by original creators of EA FC 25
2. Match between System and the Real World
EA Sports FC 25 is known for its realistic gameplay mechanics, including authentic player movements and realistic football strategies. The game mimics real-world football closely with player animations and the physics engine. However, some players feel that the AI could better reflect real-world dynamics, especially in terms of positioning and decision-making, where it sometimes seems unrealistic.
What I learned: It’s important for a sports simulation game to mimic real-world scenarios to maintain immersion and authenticity.
Recommendation: Enhance AI behavior to reflect more accurate real-world football dynamics, focusing on tactical decision-making and player positioning.
Custom defence tactics to replicate real world complexity
All technology used in EA FC 25
Original in-game screenshots showing authenticity & hyper-realistic gameplay
3. User Control and Freedom
The game offers a wide range of customization options for controls, settings, and game modes, allowing players to tailor their experience. This customization enhances the user’s sense of control. However, some players would like more granular control over tactical settings, such as player roles and formations, which could give them more flexibility during gameplay.
What I learned: Giving players freedom to adjust the game to their preferences enhances their overall experience, but it’s essential to balance it with simplicity.
Recommendation: Include more detailed customization options for tactical settings like player positioning and roles, allowing for more fine-tuned control over gameplay.
4. Consistency and Standards
EA Sports FC 25 follows consistent control schemes and menu layouts across various modes, which helps reduce the learning curve for players switching between different game modes. However, there are instances where menu responsiveness can be inconsistent, particularly in menus with a lot of options, making it harder for users to navigate.
What I learned: Consistency in UI design and controls is key to maintaining a smooth user experience, but responsiveness issues can hinder user flow.
Recommendation: Ensure that all menus, especially those with complex options, maintain consistent responsiveness across the game to enhance user navigation.
5. Error Prevention
EA Sports FC 25 includes confirmation prompts for critical actions like saving game progress and making in-game purchases. This prevents accidental actions that could negatively affect the player. However, players have suggested that error recovery could be more intuitive, especially in tactical settings where changes might lead to unexpected outcomes.
What I learned: Error prevention is important for reducing frustration, but error recovery is equally critical to avoid disrupting the player’s flow.
Recommendation: Implement more intuitive error recovery options, especially when players make unintended tactical changes or gameplay adjustments.
6. Recognition Rather than Recall
EA Sports FC 25 uses visual cues like icons and color-coding to represent player stats and game modes, making it easier for players to quickly recognize important information without having to remember details. However, some icons, such as those related to advanced tactics, can be unclear and lead to confusion when navigating menus.
What I learned: Recognition over recall is a key principle for creating efficient and accessible interfaces, but it’s important that the icons and cues are clear and easily understandable.
Recommendation: Simplify and clarify icons, especially those for advanced features, so players can quickly recognize and navigate them without relying on memory.
7. Flexibility and Efficiency of Use
The game offers customizable controls and shortcut keys for experienced players, which enhances efficiency. However, the default settings are not always optimized for all playstyles, and new players might find it challenging to adjust to the controls.
What I learned: Providing flexibility through customization and shortcuts is essential for experienced players, but the default settings should cater to a wide range of playstyles to be more inclusive.
Recommendation: Optimize default control settings for a broader range of playstyles and ensure that experienced players can customize them further for enhanced efficiency.
8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
The game features a clean and visually appealing interface, focusing on essential information to avoid clutter. However, some menus, particularly those with a lot of options, feel cluttered, which can be overwhelming for users.
What I learned: A clean, minimalist design enhances usability, but too many options in one place can cause visual clutter.
Recommendation: Simplify and streamline menus that contain too many options to maintain a clean interface without overwhelming the player.
9. Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors
The game provides error messages with suggested actions to help players recover from mistakes, such as incorrect tactics or failed passes. However, the error messages could be more descriptive, especially when dealing with AI behavior and complex game mechanics.
What I learned: Providing helpful error messages can ease frustration, but these messages need to be more specific to guide players in resolving issues.
Recommendation: Improve the error messages by making them more specific, especially in relation to AI behavior and complex game mechanics, to help players diagnose and recover quickly.
10. Help and Documentation
EA Sports FC 25 provides an in-game tutorial and a comprehensive manual to assist new players in understanding the game mechanics. However, players feel the tutorial could be more interactive and offer deeper insights into advanced tactics.
What I learned: Tutorials and documentation are crucial for onboarding new players, but they should be interactive and comprehensive to address more advanced needs.
Recommendation: Enhance the tutorial with interactive elements and cover more advanced gameplay tactics to make it more beneficial for experienced players as well.
These expanded insights, learnings, and recommendations provide a clear path to enhance EA Sports FC 25’s user experience by aligning it more closely with Jakob Nielsen’s heuristics.
Visual Design and Branding
EA Sports FC x Logo Ecosystem
EA Sports FC’s logo ecosystem is designed to be versatile and far-reaching. By incorporating the triangular grid structure into multiple logo variations, the brand creates a cohesive identity that can be utilized across various platforms and contexts. This includes digital, physical, and partner collaborations, making the logo adaptable for different marketing touchpoints. The inclusion of an authenticity mark further emphasizes the brand's credibility and the value of its partnerships, reinforcing its position as a trusted and iconic name in the world of football.
EA-FC Logo Design and Triangular Grid System
The EA Sports FC logo is deeply integrated with the triangular grid system, which serves as the foundation of the entire visual identity. The triangle is not just a geometric form but a symbol of strength, unity, and history within football. The use of this shape highlights the sport’s emphasis on collective effort and the interconnectedness of players, fans, and teams. The logo includes three distinct versions: the primary logo, a two-letter product prefix, and an authenticity mark. These variations ensure the logo is adaptable across a wide range of media and partnerships, reflecting both the global reach and the local relevance of the EA Sports FC brand.
EA Sports FC x Team Colors
The triangular grid system extends beyond the logo into the overall visual DNA of the brand. The isometric grid, made up of multiple triangles, is a key design element that visually ties together the entire EA Sports FC ecosystem. This system not only serves as a structural framework but also represents the collective power of the community, suggesting that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The visual use of the triangle highlights the unity of fans and players, reinforcing the idea that EA Sports FC is a global, inclusive brand. The design reflects the dynamic nature of football, with the triangular grid symbolizing movement and progress, much like the sport itself.
EA Sports FC x Photography Style
Uncommon, the design agency behind the EA Sports FC rebranding, developed a new photography style aimed at placing fans at the center of the game. This style shifts the focus from the players on the field to the passionate supporters who drive the football experience. The imagery is meant to evoke the energy, excitement, and emotional connection that fans feel, bringing them into the narrative of the game. By putting fans at the heart of the brand, EA Sports FC positions itself as not just a game, but a community-driven experience. This fan-centric approach is set to roll out across all brand touchpoints later in the year, solidifying the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and fan engagement.
Typography and Custom Typefaces
EA Sports FC’s new typography plays a significant role in reinforcing the brand’s identity. The two custom typefaces were created in collaboration with F37 Foundry and are designed to capture the essence of football's dynamic nature. The first typeface, inspired by the Cruyff turn, is structured with triangular forms that adhere to the overall grid system. This gives the text a bold, impactful look that matches the energy of the sport. The second typeface draws inspiration from the style and flair of Brazilian footballer Marta, offering a more elegant, serif design that adds a sense of sophistication and fluidity. The fonts are multilingual, supporting a wide range of languages from Latin to Arabic, ensuring that the brand remains globally accessible while maintaining cultural relevance across different regions.
EA Sports FC x Colour Palette
The EA Sports FC color palette is grounded in classic football colors, with monochrome tones like Boot Black and Chalk White forming the base. These shades reflect the tradition and timelessness of the sport. The palette also draws inspiration from the football pitch itself, incorporating colors like Pitch Green and Forest Green to evoke the natural environment of the game. This minimalist approach allows the brand to be flexible and adaptable, providing a clean, consistent look across all digital and physical assets. The use of these universal colors also ensures that EA Sports FC resonates with fans globally, from long-time supporters to newcomers, creating a sense of inclusivity
Motion Design and Energy of the Game
The motion design system created by BUCK extends the triangular grid theme into dynamic visual experiences. The motion system is designed to mirror the fast-paced, energetic nature of football, capturing the momentum and excitement of the game. Through fluid 2D animations and motion design, the brand comes to life in a way that embodies the poetry and intensity of football. Jon Gorman, Creative Director at BUCK, explained that the motion design’s goal was to express the forward movement of the game, evoking the feeling of action both on the field and in the stands. This motion design system is crucial in conveying the brand’s ethos, giving it a sense of vitality and forward-looking energy. The animations make the brand feel alive, echoing the passion and dynamism of the football world.
These insights reflect the thought and strategy behind EA Sports FC’s rebranding, demonstrating a comprehensive effort to make the brand not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant with fans and players alike. The emphasis on inclusivity, unity, and the dynamic nature of football through design elements such as the triangular grid, custom typography, and motion design helps EA Sports FC carve out a distinctive identity in the world of sports entertainment.
Conclusion & Future Scope
The UX research conducted on EA Sports FC 25 reveals several key design principles and features that shape the overall player experience. The game effectively incorporates numerous human-computer interaction (HCI) principles to ensure a fluid and enjoyable gaming experience. From providing real-time feedback, realistic gameplay, and customization options to maintaining consistency across controls and menus, EA Sports FC 25 demonstrates a clear focus on user-centered design. The game’s intuitive navigation and visual hierarchy make it accessible for both new and experienced players.
However, while the game excels in many areas, there are still opportunities to improve, such as enhancing error recovery systems, offering more responsive feedback in some areas, and refining the overall layout for better usability. Players' insights point to some common frustrations, such as unclear icons or inconsistent menu responsiveness, which can impact the fluidity of the experience. Addressing these areas could lead to even smoother interactions and greater player satisfaction.
Future Scope
The future of EA Sports FC 25’s user experience can be enhanced through the following avenues:
Improved Feedback and Error Recovery: While the game does a good job of providing real-time feedback, there is room for improvement in error prevention and recovery, particularly in tactical settings. Implementing more intuitive and detailed error messages could help players better understand and resolve issues, leading to less frustration.
Enhanced Customization Options: Although customization is available, expanding the depth of control over tactical settings, player roles, and gameplay preferences could cater to a wider range of player styles. Offering more granular control would be beneficial for both casual and experienced players.
UI Refinements for Greater Consistency: While the game maintains consistency in many areas, some inconsistencies in menu responsiveness and navigation still exist. Improving these areas could create a more seamless user experience, particularly when moving between different modes or sections of the game.
Further Integration of Motion Design: Given the importance of motion design in the branding of EA Sports FC, expanding this into more in-game interactions could enhance the overall feel and energy of the game. Integrating the forward momentum and energy from the brand’s visual identity into gameplay could strengthen the emotional connection with players.
Global Localization of UX: As EA Sports FC 25 continues to expand globally, further localization of UX elements for different regions could make the game feel even more personal for players worldwide. Tailoring specific visual elements, controls, and even gameplay nuances to regional preferences would deepen the brand’s connection with its diverse audience.
By addressing these aspects, EA Sports FC 25 can continue to evolve, ensuring it remains at the forefront of user experience design in the competitive sports gaming industry.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) x EA Sports FC25
As part of my exploration into AI's role in enhancing user experiences, I analyzed the integration of AI systems in EA Sports FC 25. This research provided me with a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence shapes gaming experiences, focusing on adaptive systems, personalization, and immersion.
Dynamic Gameplay Through Adaptive AI
One of the most impressive applications of AI in FC25 is its ability to create highly adaptive gameplay. The in-game AI dynamically adjusts its tactics and player behaviors based on user performance. For example, if a player consistently exploits a particular tactic, the AI reacts by adjusting its defensive or offensive strategies to counter it. From a UX perspective, this fosters a sense of challenge and engagement, ensuring that the game remains stimulating for players of all skill levels.
Personalized Experiences
AI also powers the game’s ability to deliver personalized experiences. Features like skill-based matchmaking, tailored training drills, and commentary that reflects user-specific gameplay patterns are clear examples of how AI supports user-centric design. For instance, the training module suggests drills based on my weakest areas, allowing me to improve in a targeted way. This not only streamlines the user experience but also enhances skill development, making players feel valued and supported.
Immersive Environments and Realism
The use of AI to simulate real-world elements, such as crowd reactions, weather dynamics, and player fatigue, added another layer of immersion. During my gameplay sessions, I noticed how the crowd’s reactions became more enthusiastic during critical moments, creating a heightened emotional connection to the game. This aligns with the broader UX principle of leveraging sensory feedback to enhance user engagement.
Challenges and Gaps
While the AI in FC25 has achieved significant advancements, my research also identified some areas for improvement. For example, the commentary system, though adaptive, occasionally felt repetitive, breaking the immersion. Similarly, squad-building recommendations, while helpful, sometimes failed to consider nuanced preferences like specific playing styles or formations. These gaps highlighted the importance of refining predictive models and ensuring a balance between AI-driven recommendations and user autonomy.
Key Insights from Research
This research deepened my understanding of AI's potential in UX design:
AI enhanced Dynamic Feedback and Engagement: AI can create more interactive and adaptive experiences by responding dynamically to user behavior.
AI tailored Personalization: Users feel more connected and valued when AI tailors the experience to their preferences and needs.
Immersive UX: Sensory feedback powered by AI has the potential to transport users into hyper-realistic environments.
Balancing AI and Autonomy: While AI can enhance decision-making, it should complement rather than overshadow user control.
This section of my research underscored the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully into design systems to elevate user experiences. Moving forward, I aim to explore how these principles can be extended to other domains beyond gaming, such as education and healthcare, where adaptive systems can have a meaningful impact.
Future of AR/VR in EA Sports FC
As a researcher passionate about the intersection of gaming and emerging technologies, I envision augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) taking EA Sports FC to new heights. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize how players engage with the game, transforming the user experience into something more immersive, interactive, and collaborative. Below are my key insights and ideas:
Immersive Matchday Experiences
Imagine putting on a VR headset and stepping into a virtual stadium where the roar of the crowd surrounds you, players line up for kickoff, and the tension of the match is palpable. AR could complement this by projecting live match stats, heatmaps, and tactical overlays into your physical space, letting you experience the game as though you were managing or spectating in real life.
While playing EA Sports FC, I could sense the game's potential to deepen emotional and sensory engagement, and AR/VR could amplify that by making every match feel like a personalized, cinematic experience.
AR for Real-Time Strategy
AR could completely change how players manage their Ultimate Team. Picture projecting your squad onto a tabletop using AR glasses, dragging and dropping players into formations with your hands, and instantly seeing chemistry or tactical impacts displayed visually. This kind of interaction could turn squad management into a seamless, hands-on experience.
As I analyzed team-building in EA Sports FC, I saw how AR could simplify complex menus, making the process more intuitive and enjoyable for both casual and competitive players.
Hyper-Realistic Training Modules
What if you could train like a professional footballer from your living room? VR could create hyper-realistic training environments where you practice free kicks, penalty shots, or defensive tactics with physics that closely mimic real-world gameplay. AR could overlay helpful guidance, such as showing shot trajectories or marking areas for improvement, during these training sessions.
In my experience with skill-building in the game, I noticed how challenging it is for players to master controls. VR training modules could bridge this gap by offering immersive, hands-on skill development.
Social and Competitive Experiences
AR and VR could redefine how players connect and compete. Imagine entering a virtual clubhouse with friends where you customize your avatars, discuss tactics, and prepare for matches together. Alternatively, AR could project stats and live game highlights onto a shared screen during local tournaments, making the game a central feature of social interactions.
From my time playing with friends, I’ve experienced how EA Sports FC fosters camaraderie. AR/VR could enhance this by creating interactive spaces where players feel part of a larger community.
Scouting and Career Development
Think of stepping into a scout's role using VR to analyze players in 360-degree environments. You could view drills, assess physical attributes, and identify tactical strengths. AR could further enhance career mode by projecting in-depth match reports or stats onto your surroundings, helping players make informed decisions while building their dream teams.
In my research and gameplay, I found career mode to be one of the most data-driven aspects. AR/VR could add a visual and interactive element, making data analysis more engaging.
Visualizing Challenges
Despite the incredible potential, implementing AR/VR in EA Sports FC presents challenges. Accessibility is one of the primary concerns—AR/VR hardware must become more affordable and user-friendly for mass adoption. Additionally, user comfort in VR environments, including issues like motion sickness, must be addressed.
Balancing these challenges with thoughtful design could unlock endless opportunities, positioning EA Sports FC as a pioneer in immersive sports gaming.
Through my research and gameplay experiences, I’ve seen how AR and VR could reshape EA Sports FC into an unparalleled football simulation. These technologies hold the promise to not only elevate gameplay but also bring players closer to the essence of football. It’s an exciting frontier, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds in the years ahead.
Lessons Learned
User-Centered Research Is Key: One of the most significant lessons I learned from this project is the importance of conducting user-centered research. By focusing on player experiences, feedback, and community insights, I was able to identify real-world issues and frustrations that may not be immediately apparent in the design. Prioritizing user input ensures that the research directly informs improvements and aligns with the needs of the target audience.
Detailed Observation Enhances Insight: In conducting a heuristic evaluation and observing players’ interactions with the game, I learned that small details can often make a significant impact on the overall user experience. Things like navigation inconsistencies or unclear icons might seem minor but can disrupt a player's sense of control or understanding. Being observant and noting even the most subtle issues allowed me to develop a more nuanced perspective on the game’s usability.
The Importance of Iteration: The research underscored the value of iteration in the design process. In the case of EA Sports FC 25, while many design elements work well, others could be improved or refined. I realized that user experience is rarely perfect on the first try, and regular testing and feedback are critical for continuous improvement. This iterative approach is something I will adopt and recommend for future projects.
The Balance Between Usability and Aesthetics: EA Sports FC 25’s integration of aesthetic appeal with functional design showed me how vital it is to strike the right balance between visual design and usability. As a researcher, I now understand that while visually appealing interfaces enhance user satisfaction, they should not sacrifice clarity or ease of use. Aesthetic design should always support functionality, not detract from it.
Analyzing Community Insights: Engaging with user-generated content, such as forum discussions and player feedback, was incredibly valuable in understanding the real-world challenges players face. It helped me recognize gaps in the design that weren't obvious in formal usability testing. I learned that community insights can be just as valuable as professional evaluations and can often reveal problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Effective Communication of Findings: Writing up the research findings in a clear and structured manner was a key takeaway for me. Through this project, I’ve learned that distilling complex UX and HCI concepts into concise, understandable points for both technical and non-technical audiences is crucial. The ability to convey research insights effectively will be beneficial for collaboration with designers and developers in future projects.
Considering Global Perspectives in Design: Finally, I learned the importance of considering a diverse, global perspective in UX research. EA Sports FC 25 is a globally recognized game, and understanding the needs and preferences of players from different regions can significantly influence design decisions. As a researcher, it's important to think beyond local user preferences and consider how cultural differences can affect the user experience.
These lessons will guide my future research endeavors, particularly in the realm of UX and HCI, where user feedback, observation, and iteration play a fundamental role in creating meaningful and impactful designs.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this research project. First and foremost, I would like to thank the EA Sports community for their valuable feedback, which provided insights that were integral to this study. The players' perspectives and discussions on various forums helped shape my understanding of the issues within the game.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the developers of EA Sports FC 25, whose hard work and dedication to creating an immersive gaming experience allowed me to analyze the game’s usability from an HCI perspective. Special thanks to the EA Sports design and development teams for providing a foundation of best practices that I could evaluate and learn from.
Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues who played the game with me and provided real-time insights and feedback during my gameplay sessions. Their observations were incredibly helpful in forming a well-rounded evaluation of the game.
Thank you to all the researchers, designers, and UX professionals whose work and insights inspired this research. Your contributions to the field of Human-Computer Interaction and user experience design have shaped my approach and understanding.
Sources
EA Sports. (2024). EA Sports FC 25 Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com.
Jacob Nielsen. (1994). Usability Engineering. Boston: Academic Press.
EA Community Forum. (2024). Player feedback and discussions on EA Sports FC 25. Retrieved from https://answers.ea.com.
Uncommon. (2024). EA Sports FC Branding & Design. Retrieved from https://uncommon.co.
References
Nielsen, J. (1994). Usability Engineering. Academic Press.
EA Sports FC 25 Official Website. (2024). EA Sports. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com.
EA Community Forum. (2024). User feedback on EA Sports FC 25. Retrieved from https://answers.ea.com.
Uncommon. (2024). EA Sports FC Branding & Design. Retrieved from https://uncommon.co.
Copyrights
All images, logos, and trademarks associated with EA Sports FC 25 are the property of EA Sports. This research is an independent analysis and is not affiliated with or endorsed by EA Sports.
All rights to EA Sports FC 25 and associated media are owned by EA Sports. This work is for educational and research purposes only.
Disclaimer
This research is an independent study and is not affiliated with EA Sports or its parent company, Electronic Arts. The opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the researcher and do not represent the views of EA Sports or any other affiliated entities.
More work this way
Think I’d be a good fit for your team or project? Let’s connect.
Neel Akolkar
Senior Software Engineer & UX Designer. Currently crafting experiences at Capgemini.
© designed & built by NEEL AKOLKAR
made in framer – 2025
EA-Sports FC25
Breaking Down the Play: A UX and Heuristic Analysis of the EA Sports FC 25 🎮
About
EA (Electronic Arts):
EA is a global leader in video game publishing, known for popular franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, and The Sims. They focus on creating immersive experiences across various genres.
EA Sports FC 25 (EAFC 25):
EAFC 25 is the first game in EA's football series after parting ways with FIFA. It offers realistic gameplay, multiple game modes (Career, Pro Clubs, Ultimate Team), and updated mechanics, graphics, and player customization.
The Research:
This project aims to evaluate the user experience of EA Sports FC 25 using Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics. We’ll assess aspects like system feedback, real-world match representation, user control, consistency, and design to identify usability issues and areas for improvement. The goal is to provide insights for enhancing the overall player experience.
ROLE
UX Researcher
TIMELINE
3 Months
LOCATION
India (Remote)
1.2K+
Total visits across all socials
Challenge & Goal
Challenge:
EA Sports FC 25 aims to deliver an immersive football experience, but usability issues could impact player satisfaction and engagement.
Goal:
The goal of this research is to conduct a thorough heuristic evaluation of EA Sports FC 25 to identify usability challenges that may hinder the player experience. By applying Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics, we aim to analyze critical aspects of the game, such as user interface design, player controls, feedback mechanisms, and overall flow. The objective is to pinpoint areas for improvement that will make the game more intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable for players, ensuring a smoother and more engaging football simulation experience.
Key Features
User-Centered Design:
EAFC 25’s interface is designed with the player in mind, focusing on ease of navigation and minimizing cognitive load, ensuring that users can interact with the game efficiently and comfortably.
Responsive Controls:
The game provides responsive controls, with real-time input processing, ensuring that player actions (e.g., dribbling, passing, shooting) are immediately reflected on-screen, creating a seamless interaction between the player and the game.Feedback Systems:
Visual, auditory, and haptic feedback are used to communicate system status, actions, and results, helping users understand the consequences of their interactions and guiding them throughout the game.Personalization and Customization:
EAFC 25 allows players to tailor controls, gameplay settings, and even the visual interface to their preferences, empowering users and supporting a more individualized experience.Error Prevention and Recovery:
The game’s UI is designed to minimize user errors (e.g., accidental selections) and provides clear options for recovery, such as undoing actions or confirming choices, ensuring a smoother user experience.Consistent Interaction Patterns:
The game maintains consistent design patterns and controls across various modes, making it easy for players to transfer their knowledge and skills between different areas of the game (e.g., Career Mode, Ultimate Team).Inclusive Design:
EAFC 25 includes accessibility features like colorblind modes, customizable text sizes, and remappable controls, ensuring that users with diverse physical abilities can engage with the game effectively.
Research Methodology
In this research, I conducted a heuristic evaluation of EA Sports FC 25 to assess its user experience (UX) and human-computer interaction (HCI) design. My methodology combines insights from EA's official resources, firsthand gameplay experiences, and community feedback. Additionally, I drew upon principles from previous Electronic Arts (EA) Virtual Internships to inform my analysis.
Methodology
Official Resources:
I examined EA's official website and press releases to understand the design philosophy and features of EA Sports FC 25.Firsthand Gameplay:
I engaged in multiplayer sessions with friends to gain practical insights into the game's interface, controls, and overall user experience.Community Feedback:
I analyzed discussions and reviews from platforms like Reddit and EA's Answers HQ to gather diverse user perspectives.EA Virtual Internship Insights:
Drawing from previous EA Virtual Internship projects, I applied industry-standard UX evaluation methods to my analysis.
Analysis & Evaluation Framework
1. Visibility of System Status
The game does a good job providing real-time feedback with on-screen notifications and score updates, keeping players informed about game progress. For example, the score and time counters update immediately after goals or fouls, offering players a clear view of the game status. However, certain in-game events, such as tactical changes or when players are substituted, could benefit from more immediate and clearer feedback to avoid confusion.
What I learned: Maintaining constant visibility of system status ensures players are always aware of the game's state, which is crucial for smooth gameplay.
Recommendation: Enhance the visibility of key events like substitutions and tactical changes by adding distinct, timely on-screen cues or animations to alert the player.
Sourced by original creators of EA FC 25
2. Match between System and the Real World
EA Sports FC 25 is known for its realistic gameplay mechanics, including authentic player movements and realistic football strategies. The game mimics real-world football closely with player animations and the physics engine. However, some players feel that the AI could better reflect real-world dynamics, especially in terms of positioning and decision-making, where it sometimes seems unrealistic.
What I learned: It’s important for a sports simulation game to mimic real-world scenarios to maintain immersion and authenticity.
Recommendation: Enhance AI behavior to reflect more accurate real-world football dynamics, focusing on tactical decision-making and player positioning.
Custom defence tactics to replicate real world complexity
All technology used in EA FC 25
Original in-game screenshots showing authenticity & hyper-realistic gameplay
3. User Control and Freedom
The game offers a wide range of customization options for controls, settings, and game modes, allowing players to tailor their experience. This customization enhances the user’s sense of control. However, some players would like more granular control over tactical settings, such as player roles and formations, which could give them more flexibility during gameplay.
What I learned: Giving players freedom to adjust the game to their preferences enhances their overall experience, but it’s essential to balance it with simplicity.
Recommendation: Include more detailed customization options for tactical settings like player positioning and roles, allowing for more fine-tuned control over gameplay.
4. Consistency and Standards
EA Sports FC 25 follows consistent control schemes and menu layouts across various modes, which helps reduce the learning curve for players switching between different game modes. However, there are instances where menu responsiveness can be inconsistent, particularly in menus with a lot of options, making it harder for users to navigate.
What I learned: Consistency in UI design and controls is key to maintaining a smooth user experience, but responsiveness issues can hinder user flow.
Recommendation: Ensure that all menus, especially those with complex options, maintain consistent responsiveness across the game to enhance user navigation.
5. Error Prevention
EA Sports FC 25 includes confirmation prompts for critical actions like saving game progress and making in-game purchases. This prevents accidental actions that could negatively affect the player. However, players have suggested that error recovery could be more intuitive, especially in tactical settings where changes might lead to unexpected outcomes.
What I learned: Error prevention is important for reducing frustration, but error recovery is equally critical to avoid disrupting the player’s flow.
Recommendation: Implement more intuitive error recovery options, especially when players make unintended tactical changes or gameplay adjustments.
6. Recognition Rather than Recall
EA Sports FC 25 uses visual cues like icons and color-coding to represent player stats and game modes, making it easier for players to quickly recognize important information without having to remember details. However, some icons, such as those related to advanced tactics, can be unclear and lead to confusion when navigating menus.
What I learned: Recognition over recall is a key principle for creating efficient and accessible interfaces, but it’s important that the icons and cues are clear and easily understandable.
Recommendation: Simplify and clarify icons, especially those for advanced features, so players can quickly recognize and navigate them without relying on memory.
7. Flexibility and Efficiency of Use
The game offers customizable controls and shortcut keys for experienced players, which enhances efficiency. However, the default settings are not always optimized for all playstyles, and new players might find it challenging to adjust to the controls.
What I learned: Providing flexibility through customization and shortcuts is essential for experienced players, but the default settings should cater to a wide range of playstyles to be more inclusive.
Recommendation: Optimize default control settings for a broader range of playstyles and ensure that experienced players can customize them further for enhanced efficiency.
8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
The game features a clean and visually appealing interface, focusing on essential information to avoid clutter. However, some menus, particularly those with a lot of options, feel cluttered, which can be overwhelming for users.
What I learned: A clean, minimalist design enhances usability, but too many options in one place can cause visual clutter.
Recommendation: Simplify and streamline menus that contain too many options to maintain a clean interface without overwhelming the player.
9. Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors
The game provides error messages with suggested actions to help players recover from mistakes, such as incorrect tactics or failed passes. However, the error messages could be more descriptive, especially when dealing with AI behavior and complex game mechanics.
What I learned: Providing helpful error messages can ease frustration, but these messages need to be more specific to guide players in resolving issues.
Recommendation: Improve the error messages by making them more specific, especially in relation to AI behavior and complex game mechanics, to help players diagnose and recover quickly.
10. Help and Documentation
EA Sports FC 25 provides an in-game tutorial and a comprehensive manual to assist new players in understanding the game mechanics. However, players feel the tutorial could be more interactive and offer deeper insights into advanced tactics.
What I learned: Tutorials and documentation are crucial for onboarding new players, but they should be interactive and comprehensive to address more advanced needs.
Recommendation: Enhance the tutorial with interactive elements and cover more advanced gameplay tactics to make it more beneficial for experienced players as well.
These expanded insights, learnings, and recommendations provide a clear path to enhance EA Sports FC 25’s user experience by aligning it more closely with Jakob Nielsen’s heuristics.
Visual Design and Branding
EA Sports FC x Logo Ecosystem
EA Sports FC’s logo ecosystem is designed to be versatile and far-reaching. By incorporating the triangular grid structure into multiple logo variations, the brand creates a cohesive identity that can be utilized across various platforms and contexts. This includes digital, physical, and partner collaborations, making the logo adaptable for different marketing touchpoints. The inclusion of an authenticity mark further emphasizes the brand's credibility and the value of its partnerships, reinforcing its position as a trusted and iconic name in the world of football.
EA-FC Logo Design and Triangular Grid System
The EA Sports FC logo is deeply integrated with the triangular grid system, which serves as the foundation of the entire visual identity. The triangle is not just a geometric form but a symbol of strength, unity, and history within football. The use of this shape highlights the sport’s emphasis on collective effort and the interconnectedness of players, fans, and teams. The logo includes three distinct versions: the primary logo, a two-letter product prefix, and an authenticity mark. These variations ensure the logo is adaptable across a wide range of media and partnerships, reflecting both the global reach and the local relevance of the EA Sports FC brand.
EA Sports FC x Team Colors
The triangular grid system extends beyond the logo into the overall visual DNA of the brand. The isometric grid, made up of multiple triangles, is a key design element that visually ties together the entire EA Sports FC ecosystem. This system not only serves as a structural framework but also represents the collective power of the community, suggesting that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The visual use of the triangle highlights the unity of fans and players, reinforcing the idea that EA Sports FC is a global, inclusive brand. The design reflects the dynamic nature of football, with the triangular grid symbolizing movement and progress, much like the sport itself.
EA Sports FC x Photography Style
Uncommon, the design agency behind the EA Sports FC rebranding, developed a new photography style aimed at placing fans at the center of the game. This style shifts the focus from the players on the field to the passionate supporters who drive the football experience. The imagery is meant to evoke the energy, excitement, and emotional connection that fans feel, bringing them into the narrative of the game. By putting fans at the heart of the brand, EA Sports FC positions itself as not just a game, but a community-driven experience. This fan-centric approach is set to roll out across all brand touchpoints later in the year, solidifying the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and fan engagement.
Typography and Custom Typefaces
EA Sports FC’s new typography plays a significant role in reinforcing the brand’s identity. The two custom typefaces were created in collaboration with F37 Foundry and are designed to capture the essence of football's dynamic nature. The first typeface, inspired by the Cruyff turn, is structured with triangular forms that adhere to the overall grid system. This gives the text a bold, impactful look that matches the energy of the sport. The second typeface draws inspiration from the style and flair of Brazilian footballer Marta, offering a more elegant, serif design that adds a sense of sophistication and fluidity. The fonts are multilingual, supporting a wide range of languages from Latin to Arabic, ensuring that the brand remains globally accessible while maintaining cultural relevance across different regions.
EA Sports FC x Colour Palette
The EA Sports FC color palette is grounded in classic football colors, with monochrome tones like Boot Black and Chalk White forming the base. These shades reflect the tradition and timelessness of the sport. The palette also draws inspiration from the football pitch itself, incorporating colors like Pitch Green and Forest Green to evoke the natural environment of the game. This minimalist approach allows the brand to be flexible and adaptable, providing a clean, consistent look across all digital and physical assets. The use of these universal colors also ensures that EA Sports FC resonates with fans globally, from long-time supporters to newcomers, creating a sense of inclusivity
Motion Design and Energy of the Game
The motion design system created by BUCK extends the triangular grid theme into dynamic visual experiences. The motion system is designed to mirror the fast-paced, energetic nature of football, capturing the momentum and excitement of the game. Through fluid 2D animations and motion design, the brand comes to life in a way that embodies the poetry and intensity of football. Jon Gorman, Creative Director at BUCK, explained that the motion design’s goal was to express the forward movement of the game, evoking the feeling of action both on the field and in the stands. This motion design system is crucial in conveying the brand’s ethos, giving it a sense of vitality and forward-looking energy. The animations make the brand feel alive, echoing the passion and dynamism of the football world.
These insights reflect the thought and strategy behind EA Sports FC’s rebranding, demonstrating a comprehensive effort to make the brand not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant with fans and players alike. The emphasis on inclusivity, unity, and the dynamic nature of football through design elements such as the triangular grid, custom typography, and motion design helps EA Sports FC carve out a distinctive identity in the world of sports entertainment.
Conclusion & Future Scope
The UX research conducted on EA Sports FC 25 reveals several key design principles and features that shape the overall player experience. The game effectively incorporates numerous human-computer interaction (HCI) principles to ensure a fluid and enjoyable gaming experience. From providing real-time feedback, realistic gameplay, and customization options to maintaining consistency across controls and menus, EA Sports FC 25 demonstrates a clear focus on user-centered design. The game’s intuitive navigation and visual hierarchy make it accessible for both new and experienced players.
However, while the game excels in many areas, there are still opportunities to improve, such as enhancing error recovery systems, offering more responsive feedback in some areas, and refining the overall layout for better usability. Players' insights point to some common frustrations, such as unclear icons or inconsistent menu responsiveness, which can impact the fluidity of the experience. Addressing these areas could lead to even smoother interactions and greater player satisfaction.
Future Scope
The future of EA Sports FC 25’s user experience can be enhanced through the following avenues:
Improved Feedback and Error Recovery: While the game does a good job of providing real-time feedback, there is room for improvement in error prevention and recovery, particularly in tactical settings. Implementing more intuitive and detailed error messages could help players better understand and resolve issues, leading to less frustration.
Enhanced Customization Options: Although customization is available, expanding the depth of control over tactical settings, player roles, and gameplay preferences could cater to a wider range of player styles. Offering more granular control would be beneficial for both casual and experienced players.
UI Refinements for Greater Consistency: While the game maintains consistency in many areas, some inconsistencies in menu responsiveness and navigation still exist. Improving these areas could create a more seamless user experience, particularly when moving between different modes or sections of the game.
Further Integration of Motion Design: Given the importance of motion design in the branding of EA Sports FC, expanding this into more in-game interactions could enhance the overall feel and energy of the game. Integrating the forward momentum and energy from the brand’s visual identity into gameplay could strengthen the emotional connection with players.
Global Localization of UX: As EA Sports FC 25 continues to expand globally, further localization of UX elements for different regions could make the game feel even more personal for players worldwide. Tailoring specific visual elements, controls, and even gameplay nuances to regional preferences would deepen the brand’s connection with its diverse audience.
By addressing these aspects, EA Sports FC 25 can continue to evolve, ensuring it remains at the forefront of user experience design in the competitive sports gaming industry.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) x EA Sports FC25
As part of my exploration into AI's role in enhancing user experiences, I analyzed the integration of AI systems in EA Sports FC 25. This research provided me with a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence shapes gaming experiences, focusing on adaptive systems, personalization, and immersion.
Dynamic Gameplay Through Adaptive AI
One of the most impressive applications of AI in FC25 is its ability to create highly adaptive gameplay. The in-game AI dynamically adjusts its tactics and player behaviors based on user performance. For example, if a player consistently exploits a particular tactic, the AI reacts by adjusting its defensive or offensive strategies to counter it. From a UX perspective, this fosters a sense of challenge and engagement, ensuring that the game remains stimulating for players of all skill levels.
Personalized Experiences
AI also powers the game’s ability to deliver personalized experiences. Features like skill-based matchmaking, tailored training drills, and commentary that reflects user-specific gameplay patterns are clear examples of how AI supports user-centric design. For instance, the training module suggests drills based on my weakest areas, allowing me to improve in a targeted way. This not only streamlines the user experience but also enhances skill development, making players feel valued and supported.
Immersive Environments and Realism
The use of AI to simulate real-world elements, such as crowd reactions, weather dynamics, and player fatigue, added another layer of immersion. During my gameplay sessions, I noticed how the crowd’s reactions became more enthusiastic during critical moments, creating a heightened emotional connection to the game. This aligns with the broader UX principle of leveraging sensory feedback to enhance user engagement.
Challenges and Gaps
While the AI in FC25 has achieved significant advancements, my research also identified some areas for improvement. For example, the commentary system, though adaptive, occasionally felt repetitive, breaking the immersion. Similarly, squad-building recommendations, while helpful, sometimes failed to consider nuanced preferences like specific playing styles or formations. These gaps highlighted the importance of refining predictive models and ensuring a balance between AI-driven recommendations and user autonomy.
Key Insights from Research
This research deepened my understanding of AI's potential in UX design:
AI enhanced Dynamic Feedback and Engagement: AI can create more interactive and adaptive experiences by responding dynamically to user behavior.
AI tailored Personalization: Users feel more connected and valued when AI tailors the experience to their preferences and needs.
Immersive UX: Sensory feedback powered by AI has the potential to transport users into hyper-realistic environments.
Balancing AI and Autonomy: While AI can enhance decision-making, it should complement rather than overshadow user control.
This section of my research underscored the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully into design systems to elevate user experiences. Moving forward, I aim to explore how these principles can be extended to other domains beyond gaming, such as education and healthcare, where adaptive systems can have a meaningful impact.
Future of AR/VR in EA Sports FC
As a researcher passionate about the intersection of gaming and emerging technologies, I envision augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) taking EA Sports FC to new heights. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize how players engage with the game, transforming the user experience into something more immersive, interactive, and collaborative. Below are my key insights and ideas:
Immersive Matchday Experiences
Imagine putting on a VR headset and stepping into a virtual stadium where the roar of the crowd surrounds you, players line up for kickoff, and the tension of the match is palpable. AR could complement this by projecting live match stats, heatmaps, and tactical overlays into your physical space, letting you experience the game as though you were managing or spectating in real life.
While playing EA Sports FC, I could sense the game's potential to deepen emotional and sensory engagement, and AR/VR could amplify that by making every match feel like a personalized, cinematic experience.
AR for Real-Time Strategy
AR could completely change how players manage their Ultimate Team. Picture projecting your squad onto a tabletop using AR glasses, dragging and dropping players into formations with your hands, and instantly seeing chemistry or tactical impacts displayed visually. This kind of interaction could turn squad management into a seamless, hands-on experience.
As I analyzed team-building in EA Sports FC, I saw how AR could simplify complex menus, making the process more intuitive and enjoyable for both casual and competitive players.
Hyper-Realistic Training Modules
What if you could train like a professional footballer from your living room? VR could create hyper-realistic training environments where you practice free kicks, penalty shots, or defensive tactics with physics that closely mimic real-world gameplay. AR could overlay helpful guidance, such as showing shot trajectories or marking areas for improvement, during these training sessions.
In my experience with skill-building in the game, I noticed how challenging it is for players to master controls. VR training modules could bridge this gap by offering immersive, hands-on skill development.
Social and Competitive Experiences
AR and VR could redefine how players connect and compete. Imagine entering a virtual clubhouse with friends where you customize your avatars, discuss tactics, and prepare for matches together. Alternatively, AR could project stats and live game highlights onto a shared screen during local tournaments, making the game a central feature of social interactions.
From my time playing with friends, I’ve experienced how EA Sports FC fosters camaraderie. AR/VR could enhance this by creating interactive spaces where players feel part of a larger community.
Scouting and Career Development
Think of stepping into a scout's role using VR to analyze players in 360-degree environments. You could view drills, assess physical attributes, and identify tactical strengths. AR could further enhance career mode by projecting in-depth match reports or stats onto your surroundings, helping players make informed decisions while building their dream teams.
In my research and gameplay, I found career mode to be one of the most data-driven aspects. AR/VR could add a visual and interactive element, making data analysis more engaging.
Visualizing Challenges
Despite the incredible potential, implementing AR/VR in EA Sports FC presents challenges. Accessibility is one of the primary concerns—AR/VR hardware must become more affordable and user-friendly for mass adoption. Additionally, user comfort in VR environments, including issues like motion sickness, must be addressed.
Balancing these challenges with thoughtful design could unlock endless opportunities, positioning EA Sports FC as a pioneer in immersive sports gaming.
Through my research and gameplay experiences, I’ve seen how AR and VR could reshape EA Sports FC into an unparalleled football simulation. These technologies hold the promise to not only elevate gameplay but also bring players closer to the essence of football. It’s an exciting frontier, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds in the years ahead.
Lessons Learned
The Power of Immersive Design
Mixed reality is no longer a distant concept. With the Apple Vision Pro, it’s clear that immersive design is here to stay. The device’s ability to blend the virtual and physical worlds shows the potential for creating highly engaging, interactive experiences. This pushes the boundaries of what user interfaces can achieve.
Glassmorphism UI as a Key Trend
One of the standout trends in Vision Pro’s design is Glassmorphism. The translucent, frosted glass effect used across various UI elements in the mixed-reality environment not only provides an aesthetically pleasing look but also helps maintain a sense of connection to the physical world. This UI style plays a crucial role in creating an immersive yet familiar experience, where digital elements don’t feel detached from the user’s environment. I’ve learned that as we move into mixed reality, visual cues like transparency and depth perception can significantly enhance user engagement by providing a sense of space and flow.
Importance of Seamless Interaction
Vision Pro demonstrates how effective spatial interaction can be when it’s integrated with hand gestures and eye-tracking. The most successful aspects of Vision Pro rely on seamless interaction between virtual objects and users' natural movements. The key takeaway here is that intuitive, natural interfaces are essential in creating a frictionless user experience. In mixed reality, it’s not just about adding functionality—it’s about making that functionality feel second nature.
User Customization is Crucial
Vision Pro highlights the need for users to have control over their digital environment. Personalization not only enhances comfort but also fosters a deeper connection to the technology. Customizable features like adjustable virtual spaces and interfaces are not just nice-to-have—they’re essential in mixed-reality design. I’ve realized that empowering users to modify and tailor their experience improves satisfaction and engagement.
Balancing Innovation with Usability
As Vision Pro pushes the envelope with its innovative features, it’s crucial to remember that usability should always come first. While flashy new technologies are exciting, they must not overwhelm or confuse users. The success of mixed-reality devices will depend on how well designers balance cutting-edge innovation with practical, intuitive interfaces that users can quickly learn and interact with.
The Need for Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Vision Pro’s development showcases the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. Designing for mixed reality requires input from various fields: UX/UI design, hardware engineering, cognitive psychology, and spatial computing. It’s a reminder that successful products often emerge from collaborative efforts, where each discipline contributes to creating a holistic and seamless user experience.
Conclusions
Future Implications
The Vision Pro is a glimpse into what’s next—a world where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily lives. As a designer, it excites me to think about the possibilities: hyper-personalized environments, inclusive accessibility features, and collaborative interfaces that feel natural and intuitive. With mixed reality evolving so quickly, I’m reminded how important it is to stay adaptable and open to learning from disciplines beyond traditional design. The future is immersive, and I’m excited to play my part in shaping it.
Acknowledgments
A huge shoutout to the incredible Apple developer and design community, where I’ve had the privilege of engaging in inspiring discussions and gaining valuable perspectives. Attending WWDC sessions and diving into Apple’s HCI guidelines has been a cornerstone of my research. These resources, coupled with conversations within the community, have given me the tools and confidence to explore mixed-reality design with curiosity and purpose.
Connect to Content
Add layers or components to swipe between.
Lessons Learned
User-Centered Research Is Key: One of the most significant lessons I learned from this project is the importance of conducting user-centered research. By focusing on player experiences, feedback, and community insights, I was able to identify real-world issues and frustrations that may not be immediately apparent in the design. Prioritizing user input ensures that the research directly informs improvements and aligns with the needs of the target audience.
Detailed Observation Enhances Insight: In conducting a heuristic evaluation and observing players’ interactions with the game, I learned that small details can often make a significant impact on the overall user experience. Things like navigation inconsistencies or unclear icons might seem minor but can disrupt a player's sense of control or understanding. Being observant and noting even the most subtle issues allowed me to develop a more nuanced perspective on the game’s usability.
The Importance of Iteration: The research underscored the value of iteration in the design process. In the case of EA Sports FC 25, while many design elements work well, others could be improved or refined. I realized that user experience is rarely perfect on the first try, and regular testing and feedback are critical for continuous improvement. This iterative approach is something I will adopt and recommend for future projects.
The Balance Between Usability and Aesthetics: EA Sports FC 25’s integration of aesthetic appeal with functional design showed me how vital it is to strike the right balance between visual design and usability. As a researcher, I now understand that while visually appealing interfaces enhance user satisfaction, they should not sacrifice clarity or ease of use. Aesthetic design should always support functionality, not detract from it.
Analyzing Community Insights: Engaging with user-generated content, such as forum discussions and player feedback, was incredibly valuable in understanding the real-world challenges players face. It helped me recognize gaps in the design that weren't obvious in formal usability testing. I learned that community insights can be just as valuable as professional evaluations and can often reveal problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Effective Communication of Findings: Writing up the research findings in a clear and structured manner was a key takeaway for me. Through this project, I’ve learned that distilling complex UX and HCI concepts into concise, understandable points for both technical and non-technical audiences is crucial. The ability to convey research insights effectively will be beneficial for collaboration with designers and developers in future projects.
Considering Global Perspectives in Design: Finally, I learned the importance of considering a diverse, global perspective in UX research. EA Sports FC 25 is a globally recognized game, and understanding the needs and preferences of players from different regions can significantly influence design decisions. As a researcher, it's important to think beyond local user preferences and consider how cultural differences can affect the user experience.
These lessons will guide my future research endeavors, particularly in the realm of UX and HCI, where user feedback, observation, and iteration play a fundamental role in creating meaningful and impactful designs.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this research project. First and foremost, I would like to thank the EA Sports community for their valuable feedback, which provided insights that were integral to this study. The players' perspectives and discussions on various forums helped shape my understanding of the issues within the game.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the developers of EA Sports FC 25, whose hard work and dedication to creating an immersive gaming experience allowed me to analyze the game’s usability from an HCI perspective. Special thanks to the EA Sports design and development teams for providing a foundation of best practices that I could evaluate and learn from.
Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues who played the game with me and provided real-time insights and feedback during my gameplay sessions. Their observations were incredibly helpful in forming a well-rounded evaluation of the game.
Thank you to all the researchers, designers, and UX professionals whose work and insights inspired this research. Your contributions to the field of Human-Computer Interaction and user experience design have shaped my approach and understanding.
Sources
EA Sports. (2024). EA Sports FC 25 Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com.
Jacob Nielsen. (1994). Usability Engineering. Boston: Academic Press.
EA Community Forum. (2024). Player feedback and discussions on EA Sports FC 25. Retrieved from https://answers.ea.com.
Uncommon. (2024). EA Sports FC Branding & Design. Retrieved from https://uncommon.co.
References
Nielsen, J. (1994). Usability Engineering. Academic Press.
EA Sports FC 25 Official Website. (2024). EA Sports. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com.
EA Community Forum. (2024). User feedback on EA Sports FC 25. Retrieved from https://answers.ea.com.
Uncommon. (2024). EA Sports FC Branding & Design. Retrieved from https://uncommon.co.
Copyrights
All images, logos, and trademarks associated with EA Sports FC 25 are the property of EA Sports. This research is an independent analysis and is not affiliated with or endorsed by EA Sports.
All rights to EA Sports FC 25 and associated media are owned by EA Sports. This work is for educational and research purposes only.
Disclaimer
This research is an independent study and is not affiliated with EA Sports or its parent company, Electronic Arts. The opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the researcher and do not represent the views of EA Sports or any other affiliated entities.
More work this way
Think I’d be a good fit for your team or project? Let’s connect.
Neel Akolkar
Senior Software Engineer & UX Designer. Currently crafting experiences at Capgemini.
© designed & built by NEEL AKOLKAR
made in framer – 2025
Think I’d be a good fit for your team or project? Let’s connect.
Neel Akolkar
Senior Software Engineer & UX Designer. Currently crafting experiences at Capgemini.
© designed & built by NEEL AKOLKAR
made in framer – 2025
neelakolkar2001@gmail.com
Email copied!
neelakolkar2001@gmail.com
Email copied!
EA-Sports FC25
Breaking Down the Play: A UX and Heuristic Analysis of the EA Sports FC 25 🎮
About
EA (Electronic Arts):
EA is a global leader in video game publishing, known for popular franchises like FIFA, Madden NFL, and The Sims. They focus on creating immersive experiences across various genres.
EA Sports FC 25 (EAFC 25):
EAFC 25 is the first game in EA's football series after parting ways with FIFA. It offers realistic gameplay, multiple game modes (Career, Pro Clubs, Ultimate Team), and updated mechanics, graphics, and player customization.
The Research:
This project aims to evaluate the user experience of EA Sports FC 25 using Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics. We’ll assess aspects like system feedback, real-world match representation, user control, consistency, and design to identify usability issues and areas for improvement. The goal is to provide insights for enhancing the overall player experience.
ROLE
UX Researcher
TIMELINE
3 Months
LOCATION
India (Remote)
1.2K+
Total visits across all socials
Challenge & Goal
Challenge:
EA Sports FC 25 aims to deliver an immersive football experience, but usability issues could impact player satisfaction and engagement.
Goal:
The goal of this research is to conduct a thorough heuristic evaluation of EA Sports FC 25 to identify usability challenges that may hinder the player experience. By applying Jakob Nielsen’s 10 Usability Heuristics, we aim to analyze critical aspects of the game, such as user interface design, player controls, feedback mechanisms, and overall flow. The objective is to pinpoint areas for improvement that will make the game more intuitive, accessible, and enjoyable for players, ensuring a smoother and more engaging football simulation experience.
Key Features
User-Centered Design:
EAFC 25’s interface is designed with the player in mind, focusing on ease of navigation and minimizing cognitive load, ensuring that users can interact with the game efficiently and comfortably.
Responsive Controls:
The game provides responsive controls, with real-time input processing, ensuring that player actions (e.g., dribbling, passing, shooting) are immediately reflected on-screen, creating a seamless interaction between the player and the game.Feedback Systems:
Visual, auditory, and haptic feedback are used to communicate system status, actions, and results, helping users understand the consequences of their interactions and guiding them throughout the game.Personalization and Customization:
EAFC 25 allows players to tailor controls, gameplay settings, and even the visual interface to their preferences, empowering users and supporting a more individualized experience.Error Prevention and Recovery:
The game’s UI is designed to minimize user errors (e.g., accidental selections) and provides clear options for recovery, such as undoing actions or confirming choices, ensuring a smoother user experience.Consistent Interaction Patterns:
The game maintains consistent design patterns and controls across various modes, making it easy for players to transfer their knowledge and skills between different areas of the game (e.g., Career Mode, Ultimate Team).Inclusive Design:
EAFC 25 includes accessibility features like colorblind modes, customizable text sizes, and remappable controls, ensuring that users with diverse physical abilities can engage with the game effectively.
Research Methodology
In this research, I conducted a heuristic evaluation of EA Sports FC 25 to assess its user experience (UX) and human-computer interaction (HCI) design. My methodology combines insights from EA's official resources, firsthand gameplay experiences, and community feedback. Additionally, I drew upon principles from previous Electronic Arts (EA) Virtual Internships to inform my analysis.
Methodology
Official Resources:
I examined EA's official website and press releases to understand the design philosophy and features of EA Sports FC 25.Firsthand Gameplay:
I engaged in multiplayer sessions with friends to gain practical insights into the game's interface, controls, and overall user experience.Community Feedback:
I analyzed discussions and reviews from platforms like Reddit and EA's Answers HQ to gather diverse user perspectives.EA Virtual Internship Insights:
Drawing from previous EA Virtual Internship projects, I applied industry-standard UX evaluation methods to my analysis.
Analysis & Evaluation Framework
1. Visibility of System Status
The game does a good job providing real-time feedback with on-screen notifications and score updates, keeping players informed about game progress. For example, the score and time counters update immediately after goals or fouls, offering players a clear view of the game status. However, certain in-game events, such as tactical changes or when players are substituted, could benefit from more immediate and clearer feedback to avoid confusion.
What I learned: Maintaining constant visibility of system status ensures players are always aware of the game's state, which is crucial for smooth gameplay.
Recommendation: Enhance the visibility of key events like substitutions and tactical changes by adding distinct, timely on-screen cues or animations to alert the player.
Sourced by original creators of EA FC 25
2. Match between System and the Real World
EA Sports FC 25 is known for its realistic gameplay mechanics, including authentic player movements and realistic football strategies. The game mimics real-world football closely with player animations and the physics engine. However, some players feel that the AI could better reflect real-world dynamics, especially in terms of positioning and decision-making, where it sometimes seems unrealistic.
What I learned: It’s important for a sports simulation game to mimic real-world scenarios to maintain immersion and authenticity.
Recommendation: Enhance AI behavior to reflect more accurate real-world football dynamics, focusing on tactical decision-making and player positioning.
Custom defence tactics to replicate real world complexity
All technology used in EA FC 25
Original in-game screenshots showing authenticity & hyper-realistic gameplay
3. User Control and Freedom
The game offers a wide range of customization options for controls, settings, and game modes, allowing players to tailor their experience. This customization enhances the user’s sense of control. However, some players would like more granular control over tactical settings, such as player roles and formations, which could give them more flexibility during gameplay.
What I learned: Giving players freedom to adjust the game to their preferences enhances their overall experience, but it’s essential to balance it with simplicity.
Recommendation: Include more detailed customization options for tactical settings like player positioning and roles, allowing for more fine-tuned control over gameplay.
4. Consistency and Standards
EA Sports FC 25 follows consistent control schemes and menu layouts across various modes, which helps reduce the learning curve for players switching between different game modes. However, there are instances where menu responsiveness can be inconsistent, particularly in menus with a lot of options, making it harder for users to navigate.
What I learned: Consistency in UI design and controls is key to maintaining a smooth user experience, but responsiveness issues can hinder user flow.
Recommendation: Ensure that all menus, especially those with complex options, maintain consistent responsiveness across the game to enhance user navigation.
5. Error Prevention
EA Sports FC 25 includes confirmation prompts for critical actions like saving game progress and making in-game purchases. This prevents accidental actions that could negatively affect the player. However, players have suggested that error recovery could be more intuitive, especially in tactical settings where changes might lead to unexpected outcomes.
What I learned: Error prevention is important for reducing frustration, but error recovery is equally critical to avoid disrupting the player’s flow.
Recommendation: Implement more intuitive error recovery options, especially when players make unintended tactical changes or gameplay adjustments.
6. Recognition Rather than Recall
EA Sports FC 25 uses visual cues like icons and color-coding to represent player stats and game modes, making it easier for players to quickly recognize important information without having to remember details. However, some icons, such as those related to advanced tactics, can be unclear and lead to confusion when navigating menus.
What I learned: Recognition over recall is a key principle for creating efficient and accessible interfaces, but it’s important that the icons and cues are clear and easily understandable.
Recommendation: Simplify and clarify icons, especially those for advanced features, so players can quickly recognize and navigate them without relying on memory.
7. Flexibility and Efficiency of Use
The game offers customizable controls and shortcut keys for experienced players, which enhances efficiency. However, the default settings are not always optimized for all playstyles, and new players might find it challenging to adjust to the controls.
What I learned: Providing flexibility through customization and shortcuts is essential for experienced players, but the default settings should cater to a wide range of playstyles to be more inclusive.
Recommendation: Optimize default control settings for a broader range of playstyles and ensure that experienced players can customize them further for enhanced efficiency.
8. Aesthetic and Minimalist Design
The game features a clean and visually appealing interface, focusing on essential information to avoid clutter. However, some menus, particularly those with a lot of options, feel cluttered, which can be overwhelming for users.
What I learned: A clean, minimalist design enhances usability, but too many options in one place can cause visual clutter.
Recommendation: Simplify and streamline menus that contain too many options to maintain a clean interface without overwhelming the player.
9. Help Users Recognize, Diagnose, and Recover from Errors
The game provides error messages with suggested actions to help players recover from mistakes, such as incorrect tactics or failed passes. However, the error messages could be more descriptive, especially when dealing with AI behavior and complex game mechanics.
What I learned: Providing helpful error messages can ease frustration, but these messages need to be more specific to guide players in resolving issues.
Recommendation: Improve the error messages by making them more specific, especially in relation to AI behavior and complex game mechanics, to help players diagnose and recover quickly.
10. Help and Documentation
EA Sports FC 25 provides an in-game tutorial and a comprehensive manual to assist new players in understanding the game mechanics. However, players feel the tutorial could be more interactive and offer deeper insights into advanced tactics.
What I learned: Tutorials and documentation are crucial for onboarding new players, but they should be interactive and comprehensive to address more advanced needs.
Recommendation: Enhance the tutorial with interactive elements and cover more advanced gameplay tactics to make it more beneficial for experienced players as well.
These expanded insights, learnings, and recommendations provide a clear path to enhance EA Sports FC 25’s user experience by aligning it more closely with Jakob Nielsen’s heuristics.
Visual Design and Branding
EA Sports FC x Logo Ecosystem
EA Sports FC’s logo ecosystem is designed to be versatile and far-reaching. By incorporating the triangular grid structure into multiple logo variations, the brand creates a cohesive identity that can be utilized across various platforms and contexts. This includes digital, physical, and partner collaborations, making the logo adaptable for different marketing touchpoints. The inclusion of an authenticity mark further emphasizes the brand's credibility and the value of its partnerships, reinforcing its position as a trusted and iconic name in the world of football.
EA-FC Logo Design and Triangular Grid System
The EA Sports FC logo is deeply integrated with the triangular grid system, which serves as the foundation of the entire visual identity. The triangle is not just a geometric form but a symbol of strength, unity, and history within football. The use of this shape highlights the sport’s emphasis on collective effort and the interconnectedness of players, fans, and teams. The logo includes three distinct versions: the primary logo, a two-letter product prefix, and an authenticity mark. These variations ensure the logo is adaptable across a wide range of media and partnerships, reflecting both the global reach and the local relevance of the EA Sports FC brand.
EA Sports FC x Team Colors
The triangular grid system extends beyond the logo into the overall visual DNA of the brand. The isometric grid, made up of multiple triangles, is a key design element that visually ties together the entire EA Sports FC ecosystem. This system not only serves as a structural framework but also represents the collective power of the community, suggesting that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. The visual use of the triangle highlights the unity of fans and players, reinforcing the idea that EA Sports FC is a global, inclusive brand. The design reflects the dynamic nature of football, with the triangular grid symbolizing movement and progress, much like the sport itself.
EA Sports FC x Photography Style
Uncommon, the design agency behind the EA Sports FC rebranding, developed a new photography style aimed at placing fans at the center of the game. This style shifts the focus from the players on the field to the passionate supporters who drive the football experience. The imagery is meant to evoke the energy, excitement, and emotional connection that fans feel, bringing them into the narrative of the game. By putting fans at the heart of the brand, EA Sports FC positions itself as not just a game, but a community-driven experience. This fan-centric approach is set to roll out across all brand touchpoints later in the year, solidifying the brand’s commitment to inclusivity and fan engagement.
Typography and Custom Typefaces
EA Sports FC’s new typography plays a significant role in reinforcing the brand’s identity. The two custom typefaces were created in collaboration with F37 Foundry and are designed to capture the essence of football's dynamic nature. The first typeface, inspired by the Cruyff turn, is structured with triangular forms that adhere to the overall grid system. This gives the text a bold, impactful look that matches the energy of the sport. The second typeface draws inspiration from the style and flair of Brazilian footballer Marta, offering a more elegant, serif design that adds a sense of sophistication and fluidity. The fonts are multilingual, supporting a wide range of languages from Latin to Arabic, ensuring that the brand remains globally accessible while maintaining cultural relevance across different regions.
EA Sports FC x Colour Palette
The EA Sports FC color palette is grounded in classic football colors, with monochrome tones like Boot Black and Chalk White forming the base. These shades reflect the tradition and timelessness of the sport. The palette also draws inspiration from the football pitch itself, incorporating colors like Pitch Green and Forest Green to evoke the natural environment of the game. This minimalist approach allows the brand to be flexible and adaptable, providing a clean, consistent look across all digital and physical assets. The use of these universal colors also ensures that EA Sports FC resonates with fans globally, from long-time supporters to newcomers, creating a sense of inclusivity
Motion Design and Energy of the Game
The motion design system created by BUCK extends the triangular grid theme into dynamic visual experiences. The motion system is designed to mirror the fast-paced, energetic nature of football, capturing the momentum and excitement of the game. Through fluid 2D animations and motion design, the brand comes to life in a way that embodies the poetry and intensity of football. Jon Gorman, Creative Director at BUCK, explained that the motion design’s goal was to express the forward movement of the game, evoking the feeling of action both on the field and in the stands. This motion design system is crucial in conveying the brand’s ethos, giving it a sense of vitality and forward-looking energy. The animations make the brand feel alive, echoing the passion and dynamism of the football world.
These insights reflect the thought and strategy behind EA Sports FC’s rebranding, demonstrating a comprehensive effort to make the brand not only visually striking but also emotionally resonant with fans and players alike. The emphasis on inclusivity, unity, and the dynamic nature of football through design elements such as the triangular grid, custom typography, and motion design helps EA Sports FC carve out a distinctive identity in the world of sports entertainment.
Conclusion & Future Scope
The UX research conducted on EA Sports FC 25 reveals several key design principles and features that shape the overall player experience. The game effectively incorporates numerous human-computer interaction (HCI) principles to ensure a fluid and enjoyable gaming experience. From providing real-time feedback, realistic gameplay, and customization options to maintaining consistency across controls and menus, EA Sports FC 25 demonstrates a clear focus on user-centered design. The game’s intuitive navigation and visual hierarchy make it accessible for both new and experienced players.
However, while the game excels in many areas, there are still opportunities to improve, such as enhancing error recovery systems, offering more responsive feedback in some areas, and refining the overall layout for better usability. Players' insights point to some common frustrations, such as unclear icons or inconsistent menu responsiveness, which can impact the fluidity of the experience. Addressing these areas could lead to even smoother interactions and greater player satisfaction.
Future Scope
The future of EA Sports FC 25’s user experience can be enhanced through the following avenues:
Improved Feedback and Error Recovery: While the game does a good job of providing real-time feedback, there is room for improvement in error prevention and recovery, particularly in tactical settings. Implementing more intuitive and detailed error messages could help players better understand and resolve issues, leading to less frustration.
Enhanced Customization Options: Although customization is available, expanding the depth of control over tactical settings, player roles, and gameplay preferences could cater to a wider range of player styles. Offering more granular control would be beneficial for both casual and experienced players.
UI Refinements for Greater Consistency: While the game maintains consistency in many areas, some inconsistencies in menu responsiveness and navigation still exist. Improving these areas could create a more seamless user experience, particularly when moving between different modes or sections of the game.
Further Integration of Motion Design: Given the importance of motion design in the branding of EA Sports FC, expanding this into more in-game interactions could enhance the overall feel and energy of the game. Integrating the forward momentum and energy from the brand’s visual identity into gameplay could strengthen the emotional connection with players.
Global Localization of UX: As EA Sports FC 25 continues to expand globally, further localization of UX elements for different regions could make the game feel even more personal for players worldwide. Tailoring specific visual elements, controls, and even gameplay nuances to regional preferences would deepen the brand’s connection with its diverse audience.
By addressing these aspects, EA Sports FC 25 can continue to evolve, ensuring it remains at the forefront of user experience design in the competitive sports gaming industry.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) x EA Sports FC25
As part of my exploration into AI's role in enhancing user experiences, I analyzed the integration of AI systems in EA Sports FC 25. This research provided me with a deeper understanding of how artificial intelligence shapes gaming experiences, focusing on adaptive systems, personalization, and immersion.
Dynamic Gameplay Through Adaptive AI
One of the most impressive applications of AI in FC25 is its ability to create highly adaptive gameplay. The in-game AI dynamically adjusts its tactics and player behaviors based on user performance. For example, if a player consistently exploits a particular tactic, the AI reacts by adjusting its defensive or offensive strategies to counter it. From a UX perspective, this fosters a sense of challenge and engagement, ensuring that the game remains stimulating for players of all skill levels.
Personalized Experiences
AI also powers the game’s ability to deliver personalized experiences. Features like skill-based matchmaking, tailored training drills, and commentary that reflects user-specific gameplay patterns are clear examples of how AI supports user-centric design. For instance, the training module suggests drills based on my weakest areas, allowing me to improve in a targeted way. This not only streamlines the user experience but also enhances skill development, making players feel valued and supported.
Immersive Environments and Realism
The use of AI to simulate real-world elements, such as crowd reactions, weather dynamics, and player fatigue, added another layer of immersion. During my gameplay sessions, I noticed how the crowd’s reactions became more enthusiastic during critical moments, creating a heightened emotional connection to the game. This aligns with the broader UX principle of leveraging sensory feedback to enhance user engagement.
Challenges and Gaps
While the AI in FC25 has achieved significant advancements, my research also identified some areas for improvement. For example, the commentary system, though adaptive, occasionally felt repetitive, breaking the immersion. Similarly, squad-building recommendations, while helpful, sometimes failed to consider nuanced preferences like specific playing styles or formations. These gaps highlighted the importance of refining predictive models and ensuring a balance between AI-driven recommendations and user autonomy.
Key Insights from Research
This research deepened my understanding of AI's potential in UX design:
AI enhanced Dynamic Feedback and Engagement: AI can create more interactive and adaptive experiences by responding dynamically to user behavior.
AI tailored Personalization: Users feel more connected and valued when AI tailors the experience to their preferences and needs.
Immersive UX: Sensory feedback powered by AI has the potential to transport users into hyper-realistic environments.
Balancing AI and Autonomy: While AI can enhance decision-making, it should complement rather than overshadow user control.
This section of my research underscored the importance of integrating AI thoughtfully into design systems to elevate user experiences. Moving forward, I aim to explore how these principles can be extended to other domains beyond gaming, such as education and healthcare, where adaptive systems can have a meaningful impact.
Future of AR/VR in EA Sports FC
As a researcher passionate about the intersection of gaming and emerging technologies, I envision augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) taking EA Sports FC to new heights. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize how players engage with the game, transforming the user experience into something more immersive, interactive, and collaborative. Below are my key insights and ideas:
Immersive Matchday Experiences
Imagine putting on a VR headset and stepping into a virtual stadium where the roar of the crowd surrounds you, players line up for kickoff, and the tension of the match is palpable. AR could complement this by projecting live match stats, heatmaps, and tactical overlays into your physical space, letting you experience the game as though you were managing or spectating in real life.
While playing EA Sports FC, I could sense the game's potential to deepen emotional and sensory engagement, and AR/VR could amplify that by making every match feel like a personalized, cinematic experience.
AR for Real-Time Strategy
AR could completely change how players manage their Ultimate Team. Picture projecting your squad onto a tabletop using AR glasses, dragging and dropping players into formations with your hands, and instantly seeing chemistry or tactical impacts displayed visually. This kind of interaction could turn squad management into a seamless, hands-on experience.
As I analyzed team-building in EA Sports FC, I saw how AR could simplify complex menus, making the process more intuitive and enjoyable for both casual and competitive players.
Hyper-Realistic Training Modules
What if you could train like a professional footballer from your living room? VR could create hyper-realistic training environments where you practice free kicks, penalty shots, or defensive tactics with physics that closely mimic real-world gameplay. AR could overlay helpful guidance, such as showing shot trajectories or marking areas for improvement, during these training sessions.
In my experience with skill-building in the game, I noticed how challenging it is for players to master controls. VR training modules could bridge this gap by offering immersive, hands-on skill development.
Social and Competitive Experiences
AR and VR could redefine how players connect and compete. Imagine entering a virtual clubhouse with friends where you customize your avatars, discuss tactics, and prepare for matches together. Alternatively, AR could project stats and live game highlights onto a shared screen during local tournaments, making the game a central feature of social interactions.
From my time playing with friends, I’ve experienced how EA Sports FC fosters camaraderie. AR/VR could enhance this by creating interactive spaces where players feel part of a larger community.
Scouting and Career Development
Think of stepping into a scout's role using VR to analyze players in 360-degree environments. You could view drills, assess physical attributes, and identify tactical strengths. AR could further enhance career mode by projecting in-depth match reports or stats onto your surroundings, helping players make informed decisions while building their dream teams.
In my research and gameplay, I found career mode to be one of the most data-driven aspects. AR/VR could add a visual and interactive element, making data analysis more engaging.
Visualizing Challenges
Despite the incredible potential, implementing AR/VR in EA Sports FC presents challenges. Accessibility is one of the primary concerns—AR/VR hardware must become more affordable and user-friendly for mass adoption. Additionally, user comfort in VR environments, including issues like motion sickness, must be addressed.
Balancing these challenges with thoughtful design could unlock endless opportunities, positioning EA Sports FC as a pioneer in immersive sports gaming.
Through my research and gameplay experiences, I’ve seen how AR and VR could reshape EA Sports FC into an unparalleled football simulation. These technologies hold the promise to not only elevate gameplay but also bring players closer to the essence of football. It’s an exciting frontier, and I look forward to seeing how it unfolds in the years ahead.
Lessons Learned
User-Centered Research Is Key: One of the most significant lessons I learned from this project is the importance of conducting user-centered research. By focusing on player experiences, feedback, and community insights, I was able to identify real-world issues and frustrations that may not be immediately apparent in the design. Prioritizing user input ensures that the research directly informs improvements and aligns with the needs of the target audience.
Detailed Observation Enhances Insight: In conducting a heuristic evaluation and observing players’ interactions with the game, I learned that small details can often make a significant impact on the overall user experience. Things like navigation inconsistencies or unclear icons might seem minor but can disrupt a player's sense of control or understanding. Being observant and noting even the most subtle issues allowed me to develop a more nuanced perspective on the game’s usability.
The Importance of Iteration: The research underscored the value of iteration in the design process. In the case of EA Sports FC 25, while many design elements work well, others could be improved or refined. I realized that user experience is rarely perfect on the first try, and regular testing and feedback are critical for continuous improvement. This iterative approach is something I will adopt and recommend for future projects.
The Balance Between Usability and Aesthetics: EA Sports FC 25’s integration of aesthetic appeal with functional design showed me how vital it is to strike the right balance between visual design and usability. As a researcher, I now understand that while visually appealing interfaces enhance user satisfaction, they should not sacrifice clarity or ease of use. Aesthetic design should always support functionality, not detract from it.
Analyzing Community Insights: Engaging with user-generated content, such as forum discussions and player feedback, was incredibly valuable in understanding the real-world challenges players face. It helped me recognize gaps in the design that weren't obvious in formal usability testing. I learned that community insights can be just as valuable as professional evaluations and can often reveal problems that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Effective Communication of Findings: Writing up the research findings in a clear and structured manner was a key takeaway for me. Through this project, I’ve learned that distilling complex UX and HCI concepts into concise, understandable points for both technical and non-technical audiences is crucial. The ability to convey research insights effectively will be beneficial for collaboration with designers and developers in future projects.
Considering Global Perspectives in Design: Finally, I learned the importance of considering a diverse, global perspective in UX research. EA Sports FC 25 is a globally recognized game, and understanding the needs and preferences of players from different regions can significantly influence design decisions. As a researcher, it's important to think beyond local user preferences and consider how cultural differences can affect the user experience.
These lessons will guide my future research endeavors, particularly in the realm of UX and HCI, where user feedback, observation, and iteration play a fundamental role in creating meaningful and impactful designs.
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed to this research project. First and foremost, I would like to thank the EA Sports community for their valuable feedback, which provided insights that were integral to this study. The players' perspectives and discussions on various forums helped shape my understanding of the issues within the game.
I would also like to extend my thanks to the developers of EA Sports FC 25, whose hard work and dedication to creating an immersive gaming experience allowed me to analyze the game’s usability from an HCI perspective. Special thanks to the EA Sports design and development teams for providing a foundation of best practices that I could evaluate and learn from.
Lastly, I would like to thank my friends and colleagues who played the game with me and provided real-time insights and feedback during my gameplay sessions. Their observations were incredibly helpful in forming a well-rounded evaluation of the game.
Thank you to all the researchers, designers, and UX professionals whose work and insights inspired this research. Your contributions to the field of Human-Computer Interaction and user experience design have shaped my approach and understanding.
Sources
EA Sports. (2024). EA Sports FC 25 Official Website. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com.
Jacob Nielsen. (1994). Usability Engineering. Boston: Academic Press.
EA Community Forum. (2024). Player feedback and discussions on EA Sports FC 25. Retrieved from https://answers.ea.com.
Uncommon. (2024). EA Sports FC Branding & Design. Retrieved from https://uncommon.co.
References
Nielsen, J. (1994). Usability Engineering. Academic Press.
EA Sports FC 25 Official Website. (2024). EA Sports. Retrieved from https://www.ea.com.
EA Community Forum. (2024). User feedback on EA Sports FC 25. Retrieved from https://answers.ea.com.
Uncommon. (2024). EA Sports FC Branding & Design. Retrieved from https://uncommon.co.
Copyrights
All images, logos, and trademarks associated with EA Sports FC 25 are the property of EA Sports. This research is an independent analysis and is not affiliated with or endorsed by EA Sports.
All rights to EA Sports FC 25 and associated media are owned by EA Sports. This work is for educational and research purposes only.
Disclaimer
This research is an independent study and is not affiliated with EA Sports or its parent company, Electronic Arts. The opinions expressed in this report are solely those of the researcher and do not represent the views of EA Sports or any other affiliated entities.
More work this way
Think I’d be a good fit for your team or project? Let’s connect.
Neel Akolkar
Senior Software Engineer & UX Designer. Currently crafting experiences at Capgemini.
© designed & built by NEEL AKOLKAR
made in framer – 2025
Think I’d be a good fit for your team or project? Let’s connect.
Neel Akolkar
Senior Software Engineer & UX Designer. Currently crafting experiences at Capgemini.
© designed & built by NEEL AKOLKAR
made in framer – 2025
neelakolkar2001@gmail.com
Email copied!
neelakolkar2001@gmail.com
Email copied!