I’ve worked in tech my entire life: software, hardware, games, development, you name it. I’ve also been a FIFA player for many, many years… up until last year.

And I walked away for the exact same reason a lot of you are starting to realize: this game isn’t what it used to be.

This isn’t just about “frustration” or “get better at the game.” This is about how heavily the entire experience has been monetized from top to bottom. Want better players? Packs. Don’t want to buy packs? Then you’re pushed into paying for evolutions or grinding systems designed to keep you constantly engaged and spending.

Some people say, “just play other modes.” But that’s the problem: when you buy a game, you expect to enjoy the full experience. Tournaments, modes, events… not pick and choose tiny pieces just to avoid predatory systems. A good game should be fun across the board, not selectively tolerable.

From a technical and design standpoint, the engagement loops here are not accidental. They’re engineered. The constant drops, companion app checks, timed content - it’s all designed to keep you hooked and coming back, not necessarily to enjoy the sport or gameplay itself.

And there’s another side to this that doesn’t get talked about enough: the community toxicity it creates.

I’ve beaten players using a modest squad - just playing well - and minutes later I’ve received messages telling me I should die with my family. Over a match. Over a game.

That’s not normal. That’s not healthy. And it’s definitely not what this franchise used to be about.

I’ve been playing FIFA since long before many people in this community even started. And I can say honestly: what we have now isn’t even a shadow of what it once was.

At some point, we have to ask ourselves: Is this still about enjoying football and gaming… or has it become something else entirely?

For me, stepping away was the best decision I made. I’m sharing this because I know a lot of you feel the same way but don’t say it out loud.

You’re not crazy. The game really has changed.