Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Xbox

PlayStation

PC/Steam

Screenwise Verdict

Look, FIFA 23 is a solid soccer simulation if you ignore the elephant in the room—Ultimate Team is a predatory monetization system dressed up as a card-collecting game. The data says 'no loot boxes,' but that's technically misleading: FUT packs ARE loot boxes in everything but name, and they've been investigated by gambling regulators worldwide for good reason.

For kids who just want to play soccer matches with their favorite teams, the core gameplay is fine. Career Mode is engaging, the mechanics are realistic, and it teaches actual soccer knowledge. But the game is designed to funnel players toward Ultimate Team, where the real money gets spent.

Add in the fact that this is already outdated (EA rebranded to EA Sports FC after losing the FIFA license), and you've got a game that feels like yesterday's news with tomorrow's monetization problems. The IGDB rating of 66/100 tells you what you need to know—it's fine, not great.

If your kid is a die-hard soccer fan and you can lock down spending permissions, it's playable. But there are better ways to engage with soccer than feeding EA's Ultimate Team machine.

Age Fit

Best for ages 10-17 who are already soccer fans and can handle competitive online environments. Younger kids might enjoy offline modes, but parents need to actively monitor and restrict Ultimate Team access to prevent spending issues. Adults who love soccer still play, but the franchise fatigue is real.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

72

FIFA 23 simulates real-world soccer with realistic gameplay and sportsmanship elements. The competitive nature can model teamwork and fair play, though online matches can expose players to unsportsmanlike conduct from opponents. The inclusion of women's teams is a positive step for representation. However, the game's focus on Ultimate Team mode (a card-collecting system with heavy monetization) can create stress and comparison culture among young players.

Imaginative

45

As a sports simulation, FIFA 23 prioritizes realism over imagination. Players follow established soccer rules and mechanics with little room for creative expression beyond team management and tactical decisions. The Career Mode offers some strategic depth, but the core gameplay loop is repetitive match-after-match. It's not designed to spark creativity or open-ended exploration—it's about executing real soccer within a digital framework.

Safe

38

While the game itself contains no inappropriate content, FIFA 23's Ultimate Team mode is notorious for aggressive monetization that borders on gambling mechanics despite the data showing 'no loot boxes.' The reality is that FUT packs function exactly like loot boxes—spending real money for randomized player cards. This has been widely criticized and investigated by regulators. Online play exposes kids to toxic behavior, rage-quitting, and unsportsmanlike conduct. The game is designed to be highly addictive with daily objectives and FOMO mechanics that keep players grinding. Users interact online, which means exposure to strangers.

Enriching

58

FIFA 23 can teach soccer strategy, team management, and real-world player/team knowledge. Kids learn about formations, tactics, and the global soccer landscape. The Career Mode offers some decision-making and resource management skills. However, the Ultimate Team mode emphasizes collection and spending over skill development. The game rewards time investment more than strategic thinking in many modes. It's entertaining for soccer fans but offers limited transferable life skills beyond sports knowledge.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Teaches real soccer strategy, formations, and tactical thinking that translates to understanding the actual sport
Includes women's teams and World Cup content, offering broader representation in sports gaming
Career Mode provides team management experience and long-term strategic planning
Cross-play features let kids play with friends across different consoles
For genuine soccer fans, it's an engaging way to interact with their favorite sport and players

⚠

What to Watch For

Ultimate Team is essentially a gambling simulator for kids—randomized player packs purchased with real money create addictive spending patterns
Online matches expose kids to rage-quitters, toxic celebrations, and unsportsmanlike behavior from anonymous opponents
Daily objectives and limited-time events create FOMO and compulsive play patterns designed to maximize engagement
Already outdated—EA rebranded to 'EA Sports FC' after FIFA 23, so this version feels like yesterday's news
The grind-heavy progression can turn fun soccer into a second job for competitive players

Conversation Starters

"What's your favorite team to play with, and what makes their play style work for you?"
"Have you spent any money on Ultimate Team packs? How did it feel when you opened them—was it worth it?"
"When someone celebrates obnoxiously after scoring on you online, how do you handle that frustration?"
"If you could manage a real soccer team, what would you do differently than in Career Mode?"
"Do you think the game makes soccer look realistic, or does it feel different from watching actual matches?"

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