EA has confirmed that it is launching an internal investigation into allegations that one of its staff sold FIFA Ultimate Team cards for thousands of euros in cash (thanks, Eurogamer).
The scandal – which now has its own hashtag on Twitter, "EAGate" – began when unconfirmed direct messages appeared online which suggested that an EA employee was selling FIFA Ultimate Team "Icon" cards for between 750 euros (around £642 / $895) and 1000 euros (£856 / $1,194). In another message – again, unconfirmed – three "Prime Icon Moments" cards were offered for sale at an eye-watering 1700 euros (£1455 / $2,300).
Icon and Icon Moments cards are some of the rarest in the game, and players spend insane amounts of real-world money via IAP in the hope of unearthing them. While FIFA Ultimate Team has always allowed players to trade goods in FIFA via FUT Coins – FIFA's in-game currency – this is the first time we've seen an allegation that cards have been offered for real-world cash.
EA's statement shows the company is taking the matter seriously, but it has created more bad press for a game that has come under fire more than once for essentially promoting gambling. Earlier this week, we reported that there are proposals afoot that would ensure that games with loot boxes – like FIFA 21 – would carry an 18+ rating in Germany.
[source eurogamer.net]
Comments 23
I mean all EA employees are doing that with every sold copy of FIFA..
It doesn't surprise me, if people are willing to pay then people will look to turn a profit.
Look how many people dropped real world money for Raymond and NMT when AC first dropped.
There's no way o have a market withuot people being willing to spend.
I hold both sides accountable. It's still dirty, though.
It undermines the (very shaky) trust people have in the FUT ecosystem. Not a good look.
What an outstanding EA employee. He should probably be an executive.
Shame they weren't giving them out for free, in which case, more power to them. Those games are a blight.
wow. That is interesting..
"If we identify improper conduct, we will take swift action"
The entire company is an improper conduct and the only action they take is sucking more money out of customer wallets swiftly.
I’m shocked there are people willing to pay for that stuff!
FINANCE NINJA APPROVES OF BETTER FINANCIAL DECISIONS
@MitchK probably is lol
Riddle me this: how can a line of code in a video game, easily reproduced by the developer as many times as it likes be classed as ‘rare’?
...they are only mad because they didn’t get a cut.
Imagine being so desperate for cards in a game that will be meaningless next year that you are willing to pay huge amounts of real world cash in the first place.
I don't play FUT, but the article mentions being able to trade with FUT coins in-game, but don't they cost real money too? Can you grind FUT coins in-game as well as buying them?
I recently learned that FIFA as an eSport is done via Ultimate Team. It's literally Pay To Win competitive which explains why there'd be people willing to shell out for these.
EA wouldn't have to investigate this if their game wasn't designed around predatory gambling pay to win mechanics in the first place.
Ea are investigating whether they got any money from the sale. I’m sure if the employee gave em their cut, he’d be off the hook.
Not gonna lie:
If I was an employee working on EA Sports games, I'd probably do the same, as Ultimate Team is practically begging to be take advantage of in this way.
@westman98 - You'd risk your job, potential legal trouble, and future employment opportunities for a few thousand bucks? 🤔
Maybe you were just exaggerating, but this guy seems very near-sighted if he is indeed an EA employee.
is that not what ultimate team is. selling the good cards so you can make a profit.
@Prizm
well he fits right in with ea doesnt he
maybe the EA employee was trying to supplement their meager pay? Kind of like prison guards will smuggle in drugs and phones, LOL
EA should be under investigation for selling switch owners the same damn game every year.
@Kobeskillz well that is FIFA in general. Although the switch version is a Legacy Edition, FIFA 21 on PS4 and Xbox One is the same as FIFA 20
Tap here to load 23 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...