FIFA 17: a major technical shift
EA Sports is rolling out big changes with FIFA 17. The series is moving away from the Ignite engine and adopting DICE’s Frostbite technology, a middleware known for producing high-end visuals and rich environmental detail. EA says this change opens up new creative possibilities for the franchise and promises a fresh, more immersive football experience.
The Frostbite advantage
Frostbite has powered several visually striking titles, including:
- Battlefield 4
- Mirror’s Edge
- Star Wars Battlefront
Expect notable improvements to lighting, stadium atmosphere and player presentation. EA also hints that gameplay will evolve alongside the graphics, placing a greater emphasis on dynamic, entertaining moments — potentially shifting some focus from pure simulation toward spectacle.
New faces and enhanced player animation
Lionel Messi will no longer be the sole cover icon. FIFA 17 will feature four prominent players on the game’s promotional material:
- Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
- Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
- Anthony Martial (Manchester United)
- James Rodríguez (Real Madrid)
EA has applied detailed motion-capture and facial-scanning work to make player movements, reactions and expressions more lifelike. These enhancements are intended to translate into more realistic in-game animations and character presence.
Ultimate Team and roster features
FIFA Ultimate Team returns with additional features and the usual assortment of player packs to collect. The mode remains a core attraction for players who enjoy building and trading squads.
Release schedule and rivals
FIFA 17 (developed by EA Vancouver) is scheduled for release on September 29. It will be available on multiple platforms:
- Xbox One
- Xbox 360
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 3
- PC
As in past years, FIFA 17 will face competition from PES 2017, which is expected to launch around the same time.
Technical
- Windows
- Demo