First things first: FIFA isn't called FIFA anymore. After a massive licensing breakup between Electronic Arts (EA) and the FIFA organization, the game rebranded. Last year was FC 24, and this year it’s EA Sports FC 25.

If your kid is asking for "FIFA 25," they mean FC 25. It’s the same engine, the same players, and the same high-intensity soccer simulation. The only thing that changed is the logo on the box and the name on the menu.

It’s not just about playing a match. For most kids, the draw is Ultimate Team (FUT). Think of it like digital Pokémon cards but with real-world athletes. They build a "dream team," compete in weekly tournaments (Weekend League), and—this is the big one—open "packs" to find rare players.

There is a genuine sense of community here. They’re watching YouTubers do "pack openings," discussing "meta" players (the ones who are currently the best in the game), and learning the stats of obscure players in the German second division. It’s impressive, honestly. Their soccer IQ skyrockets. But that engagement comes with a price—both in time and, potentially, money.

We need to talk about "Packs." In the gaming world, these are loot boxes. You spend "FC Points" (bought with real money) to get a pack of random players. You might get a superstar, or you might get a benchwarmer from a league you’ve never heard of.

The animation when a "Walkout" (a high-rated player) happens is designed to trigger the same dopamine hit as a slot machine. Lights flash, music swells, and the suspense builds.

Learn more about how "Packs" use psychological tricks to encourage spending

If you don't have a password on your console's credit card settings, a kid can easily burn through $100 in five minutes "chasing" a specific card. It’s not just about being "bad with money"; it’s about a multi-billion dollar company using sophisticated psychological tactics on a 10-year-old.

The FC community is notoriously "sweaty." That’s gamer-speak for "extremely competitive and sometimes toxic."

When kids play online in Division Rivals or Champions, they aren't just playing for fun; they are playing for rewards. Losing feels like a waste of time because it slows down their progress toward better packs. This leads to:

Check out our guide on managing gaming rage and competitive stress

At this age, the game is great for learning the rules of soccer. Stick to Kick-Off mode (playing against the computer or siblings on the couch) or Career Mode (where they manage a team). Recommendation: Keep them out of Ultimate Team. The complexity of the "chemistry" system and the temptation of packs is usually too much for this bracket.

This is the prime demographic for Ultimate Team. They’ll want to play online. Recommendation: This is a great time to introduce a "digital budget." If they want FC Points, they should use their allowance. It’s a harsh lesson in "diminishing returns" when they spend $20 and get absolutely nothing of value.

They likely know the game better than you do. At this point, the focus should be on time management. The "Weekend League" requires 20 games over a Friday-Sunday window. That’s a massive time suck that often interferes with homework or, you know, actual physical soccer.

Ask our chatbot for tips on setting up console spending limits

If EA Sports FC 25 is causing too much stress in your house, consider these:

It’s soccer with cars. It sounds silly, but it’s one of the most skill-based games ever made. No "packs" that affect gameplay, no "scripting," just pure physics. It’s a fantastic "clean" alternative.

If your kid is a stats nerd who loves the strategy side, this is the gold standard. There is no "playing" the matches—you are the manager. It’s basically a high-speed spreadsheet, but it’s incredibly addictive and educational regarding management and tactics.

For younger kids or just a fun family night, this is soccer with power-ups and shells. It’s chaotic, fun, and doesn't have the "seriousness" that leads to controller-breaking rage.

Instead of saying "Stop playing that soccer game," try engaging with the "cards" they are collecting. Ask them:

If you see them getting tilted (angry), use the "Pro Athlete" analogy. "Hey, if Bellingham missed a goal, would he throw his shoes at the wall? Take five minutes, get some water, and reset."

EA Sports FC 25 is a high-quality simulation that can foster a deep love for the sport. However, its monetization is aggressive. Treat it like a hobby that has a built-in casino.

Enjoy the highlights, celebrate the "screamer" goals they score, but keep a very tight grip on the digital wallet and the "one more game" mentality.

Learn more about managing in-game spending and loot boxes