EA Sports Ultimate Team Faces Criticism Over AI Dependence and Loss of Authenticity
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A growing chorus of longtime fans are voicing concerns that EA Sports’ popular Ultimate Team mode is prioritizing artificial intelligence assistance over genuine player skill, eroding the competitive integrity and realism that once defined the experience. The shift has sparked debate within the gaming community, with many questioning the future direction of the franchise.
The frustration stems from a perceived over-reliance on AI mechanics, particularly in defensive gameplay. Players report that success is increasingly determined by exploiting automated systems rather than strategic decision-making and manual control.
The Rise of ‘CDM Control’ and Passive Play
According to a dedicated player, “Ultimate Team used to be a mode where football knowledge, creativity, and manual skill were rewarded.” However, the current state of the game encourages a highly specific and often frustrating tactic. Many players now focus almost exclusively on controlling a single central defensive midfielder (CDM), allowing the game’s AI to handle the bulk of the defensive workload with the remaining outfield players.
This strategy leverages auto tackles, auto blocks, and remarkably accurate AI positioning to stifle opposing attacks. The result is a style of play that actively discourages manual defending, often punishing players who attempt to actively engage in tackles or interceptions. “When a football game punishes real football ideas, something is fundamentally wrong,” the player stated.
A Disconnect From Real Football
The consequences of this AI-driven approach extend beyond frustrating gameplay. Critics argue that it fundamentally alters the flow of matches, creating repetitive scenarios where players “sit deep, wait for an AI interception or tackle, and then instantly counterattack.” Goals scored in this manner often feel “unrealistic, undeserved, and disconnected from the flow of the match.”
This stands in stark contrast to the dynamic, possession-based football that many players attempt to emulate. Those who prioritize “movement, one twos, width, and positional awareness” find that the game actively works against their strategies. The lack of responsiveness to nuanced play diminishes the sense of accomplishment and undermines the immersive experience.
Years of Unaddressed Concerns
The community has consistently raised concerns about AI defending, game momentum, and overall realism for years. However, meaningful gameplay changes have been infrequent. Instead, the focus appears to be on “promotions and power creep rather than football authenticity.” This prioritization has led to a decline in competitive balance, as AI assistance effectively reduces the skill gap between players.
As a result, winning often feels “luck based rather than earned,” and the overall integrity of the mode feels compromised. Despite these issues, many players remain engaged, clinging to the occasional “moments of real football” that demonstrate the game’s potential. These fleeting instances serve as a reminder of what Ultimate Team could be, but they are becoming increasingly rare.
A Call for Change
The core request from the community is straightforward: a reduction in AI defensive assistance, greater rewards for manual defending, encouragement of active play, and a renewed commitment to football realism. The sentiment is clear: Ultimate Team should reward players, not systems playing for them.
The future of the mode hinges on EA Sports’ willingness to address these concerns and restore the balance between AI assistance and genuine player skill.
