FIFA 21: EA promotes microtransactions in children's magazines, it's blizzard! [UPDATED]

Fifa 21 ed Electronic Arts I'm in the eye of the storm again due to a controversial advertisement in a children's magazine. The promotional campaign aims to promote the microtransactions present within the famous football title, as an "essential" element of the game. The ad advertises a lootbox where spending money does not lead to a guaranteed premium.

As can be seen from the post shared by the user Twitter @AllFifaMistakes, the ad appeared in the magazine of the British retailer Smyths Toys, "forcing" children to immerse themselves in the new FIFA 21, especially in the mode FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), taking advantage of the much-criticized microtransactions to build the team of their dreams. Despite being one of the most popular game modes of the famous football title of Electronic Arts, this was filed in California in August 2020 to promote gambling-like practices. It is important to note that the lootboxes and microtransactions available in-game are only accessory elements, as players can access the FIFA Ultimate Team mode without spending any additional money.

EA is no stranger to criticism regarding its aggressive approach to microtransactions, first and foremost Star Wars: Battlefront 2. The first person shooter set in the universe of Star Wars was harshly condemned by gamers because of the microtransactions e loot boxes present within the game, seeing it more as a "pay to win"; But that's not all, given that users have accused the company that the title aimed to significantly favor those who bought, with real money, new content or playable characters. In response to widespread criticism from gamers, EA finally decided to "revolutionize" the game disabling microtransactions and modifying the progression and the economic system of the title. As they say, the wolf loses its fur but not its vice.

Please note that FIFA 21 will be released on PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One next October 9 2020. Furthermore, the US giant has already confirmed that those who purchase a copy of the game for the current videogame generation will receive a free update that will allow them to play the famous football title also on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S.

Put your two eyes ? on step two. # ThisIsntOK pic.twitter.com/IA6HRv2Elf

- FIFA21Mistakes (@AllFifaMistakes) September 26, 2020

Update: following the occurrence, Electronic Arts has clarified the issue specifically:

We take the responsibilities we have very seriously when promoting EA Games in channels seen by children. Despite this, we are aware that advertising for FIFA Points has appeared in contexts where it should not have appeared. We have worked diligently with Smyths to ensure that this advertising is no longer distributed in the remaining copies of their 2020 catalog. We have also undertaken an immediate review of all future media placements and are working to ensure that each of our marketing activities better reflect the responsibility we take towards our youngest players.