With EA's FC 27 about to release and recently entering Closed Beta, pre-order data suggests that FC 27's sales have hit a new low for FC series.
As of the latest data, FC 27 has consistently ranked around 194th on Steam best-seller list, a worrying situation.
Based on feedback from Closed Beta participants and other players, much of the dissatisfaction stems from the core changes to Ultimate Team announced in the recent Deep Dive, with strong criticism of the overly simplified SBC system.

Ultimate Team
As one of the most important game modes in EA's FC series, Ultimate Team is not only a highly anticipated feature but also one of EA's main revenue streams.
In the recently released Deep Dive content, EA showcased several adjustments to FC 27 Ultimate Team, including system optimizations aimed at lowering the learning curve.
However, for some veteran players, these optimizations haven't delivered the expected positive feedback. They believe EA is reducing the original depth and long-term focus of UT.
Squad Building Challenges are among the most affected by these optimizations. SBC has always been a crucial part of Ultimate Team. Players can acquire players by spending Coins to open packs, submit them to complete challenges for rewards, manage their team resources, and participate in the game's economic cycle.
For many advanced players, SBC is more than just a reward mechanism; it's a significant reflection of the strategic depth of UT gameplay.
However, the difficulty of SBC system in FC 27 has been significantly reduced, decreasing the resource planning and strategic thinking required in the past.
Players are concerned that this adjustment may weaken the economic ecosystem of the trading market and reduce the long-term motivation for advanced players.
For example, due to the reduced challenge difficulty, players who previously required a large amount of FC 27 Coins to acquire have significantly depreciated in value on the market. Players no longer need to work hard to complete tasks and matches to accumulate resources, thus losing the motivation to play the game.
Close Beta Feedback
With the recent launch of FC 27 Closed Beta test, discussions surrounding the game have intensified.
Players participating in the test have shared their experiences in the community, focusing on gameplay adjustments, changes to UT, and the overall progression system.
Some players who participated in the closed beta expressed disappointment with certain design adjustments, particularly regarding Ultimate Team and Career Mode.
While feedback from Closed Beta cannot fully represent the final version's quality, these early reviews often influence the community's expectations for the game before its official release.
This is especially true for EA's FC series, where player feedback presents a significant challenge. Players not only focus on whether new features are included but also on whether a subscription is worthwhile.
Career Mode
Currently, player reviews of Career Mode are mixed. The adjustments to Career Mode in FC 27 have satisfied players in some aspects, while causing some dissatisfaction. The two most controversial aspects are Manager Career Mode and Player Career Mode.
Manager Career Mode
Manager Career Mode's Dynamic OVR system updates player ratings in real time by considering various elements, including current form, injuries, and overall player condition. This creates more personalized and unpredictable career saves, with each playthrough offering a different experience.
The feature has received strong positive feedback from the community for improving realism and making squad management feel more authentic.
The new transfer system also has a similar effect, incorporating various incentive policies, terms, and pay again options, making it increasingly realistic.
However, many players were baffled by the removal of training programs, as these programs were clearly without issue.
Player Career Mode
Players who participated in Closed Beta reported that Career Mode for FC 26 was essentially just a simple optimization, not a complete overhaul. This was even more evident in Player Career Mode.
Many veteran players stated that Player Career Mode has always been one of the most easily overlooked modes in FC series. Compared to Ultimate Ninja, which receives numerous updates every year, Career Mode, while having a stable player base, has lacked major updates that truly change its gameplay over the years.
Therefore, more and more players are beginning to question the value of EA's annual FC series updates, believing that the differences between new and previous titles don't justify paying again every year. This is also one of the main reasons for the sharp drop in FC 27 pre-order sales.
Final Thoughts
The discussions surrounding FC 27 actually reflect a common problem faced by many sports games this year: how to maintain a viable business model while continuously generating player interest and spending power.
Even with its poor ranking on Steam, EA Sports FC series still boasts a massive global player base and extremely high commercial value.
However, since FIFA officially changed its name to EA Sports FC, players have placed higher demands on the series' future development. They want to see more significant innovation, rather than simple optimizations and adjustments.
Current community feedback for FC 27 indicates that some players are becoming more cautious. They are paying closer attention to EA's design direction. For example, some adjustments originally intended to lower the entry barrier are perceived by players as weakening the game's depth, resulting in negative reactions.
Therefore, EA needs to seriously consider feedback on the new systems. If dissatisfaction surrounding Ultimate Team, SBC adjustments, and gameplay mechanics continues to grow, FC 27 may become one of the most controversial titles in recent years.













