EA Sports launched the first edition of the legendary football game in 1993. And, since then they have successfully yielded a fresh instalment every year. This year, of course, FIFA 18 will be released and by the latter part of the year, the game will be available on consoles and for PCs.
It has been only six months since FIFA 17 was released, and fans have already started counting the days for the next instalment of this franchise to release. EA Sports, obviously, is way ahead and has started working on this year’s instalment.
Also Read: Five things FIFA 17 got right
Here, we take a look at five things that we can expect to be included in FIFA 18.
#1 The Journey will be back again, bigger and better with Season 2
EA Sports has already confirmed that FIFA 18 will feature an expanded version of the popular game mode ‘The Journey’.
This particular mode was a brand new addition to the franchise for FIFA 17 which allowed gamers to play as prodigious talent Alex Hunter and help him progress through the ranks in the English top division.
With the likes of Harry Kane and other Premier League stars making appearances in the mode, it soon climbed up the popularity charts amongst FIFA enthusiasts. However, it ended after just one season, much to the disappointment of many.
But the fans will be excited to learn that EA CEO Andrew Wilson promised a much detailed Season 2. "FIFA 18 will build on the foundation we created with story mode this year, bringing players back to The Journey with Season 2, featuring new characters and new storylines," Wilson said at EA's quarterly financial meeting, last week.
#2 Cristiano Ronaldo likely to be the cover star
This year’s FIFA Player of the Year and Ballon d’Or winner, Cristiano Ronaldo, is likely to adorn the covers of FIFA 18 titles.
Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus features on the cover of FIFA 17 titles. He edged out competition from Chelsea’s Eden Hazard and Manchester United’s Anthony Martial to be on the cover.
But if reports are to be believed, Ronaldo will be crowned the top player of the FIFA franchise yet again and will feature on the cover. According to FIFPlay’s voting as of now, the Portuguese forward and Lionel Messi head the race to be the face of FIFA 18.
Each of Messi and Ronaldo has attracted 16% of the total votes until now. However, with Messi’s rights now being owned by Konami, who produces Pro Evolution Soccer (PES), FIFA’s rival, Ronaldo looks likely to – no scratch that off – will be on the cover of FIFA 18.
#3 Indian League to feature in FIFA 18
According to several reports, the Indian League is likely to be added in FIFA’s next release.
30 different leagues and 650 teams feature in FIFA 17. However, EA is always looking to grow further and talks of adding new leagues are always on the table.
According to FIFPlay, which is conducting a FIFA 18 Leagues survey, the Indian League has a high chance of featuring in FIFA 18. As of now, of the 614,903 votes submitted so far, the Indian League has garnered 21% of the votes (123,795 votes).
The German 3rd Division, though, leads the race with 128,693 votes. So, it is a possibility that both the leagues are included in FIFA 18. As of now, it is not clear whether the Indian Super League or the I-League will be included, but just the prospect of bringing the likes of Ronaldo, Messi (a bit far-fetched) to India, at least in the game, is enough to excite the Indian fans.
#4 Chinese Super League to feature in FIFA 18
Jiangsu Suning’s Brazilian forward Alex Teixeira might just have revealed that the Chinese Super League will be included in FIFA 18.
With the recent influx of cash in Chinese football and the several big-money moves, it makes sense for EA to incorporate the Chinese Super League into the 2018 incarnation of FIFA.
Texeira posted a picture on Instagram with the caption: “Official presentation for FIFA 18. New shirt for the 2017 season.” The emoji following the caption indicates that we should take the post with a pinch of salt rather than an official announcement.
But one can hope, right? Just imagine the amount of transfer money at your disposal when you begin career mode with Guangzhou Evergrande or Shanghai SIPG. And throw in players like Hulk, Alexander Pato, Axel Witsel, Oscar, Ramires, Graziano Pelle, Demba Ba and others. Tempting, right?
#5 Introduction of VR
Several reports have already suggested and speculations are rife that FIFA will add VR gaming experience in the next edition of FIFA.
No, don’t get psyched just yet. Running around as a player and kicking in the air to score goals is still far-fetched.
But, now that non-VR-ready games can be enjoyed on PSVR – a device which acts as a micro-cinema screen on your face, it is high time FIFA made the most if it. Additionally, maybe getting the view from the galleries might just be the idea FIFA could be working on.
Virtual Reality has been gradually growing onto people. Collaborating VR technology and gaming seems to be the next obvious way to go for game developers. Keep in mind that even having VR set enhances the visuals. Making the game look like it is being played right in front of you may just bring in more audience.
