The FIFA 18 World Cup update will not be coming to Xbox 360 or PS3, EA has confirmed.
Despite a majority of the sales coming from current-gen Xbox One and PS4, there are still thousands of gamers who play on last-gen consoles.
The news follows a growing trend of last-gen versions of new games offering ‘stripped back’ experiences compared to the flagship versions.
FIFA 18 on PS3 and Xbox 360 did not include The Journey or the latest Frostbite graphics engine – and was instead powered by FIFA 16’s Ignite engine.
EA Sports may be winding up last-gen versions of the game this year – with FIFA 19 only appearing on current-gen consoles and PC.
Speaking at the Stifel 2013 Technology Conference, EA CFO Blake Jorgensen said the publisher would release titles for last-gen consoles until 2017 (via Videogamer).
While he stressed this would be the ‘earliest’ the company would drop support for the Xbox 360 and PS3, the signs are certainly moving towards FIFA 19 being a current-gen / PC exclusive.
EA Sports announced earlier this week that the long-awaited World Cup mode will be arriving later this month as a free update.
Landing on May 29, the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia download promises to deliver authentic gameplay, teams and stadiums in the single-biggest add-on since FIFA 14.
Despite concerns a number of teams would be missing from the update, EA announced all 32 nations who qualified for the tournament will feature.
As well as a solo mode, which lets you take a team from the group stage to the final in Moscow, you’re also able to create your own Custom Tournament draw.
A revised Ultimate Team mode will let you build your dream World Cup team as well as see the introduction of World Cup Icons.
All 12 stadiums from Russia are included in the update – as well as pitch environments, advertisements, dressings, national team banners and high-resolution crowds.
To ensure the most realistic experience possible, the official World Cup graphic and broadcast package has also been replicated in-game, while Frostbite-driven cinematic scenes keep you immersed long after the final whistle.
Elsewhere, a new chemistry system provides different ways to link your favourite international players.
Instead of clubs and leagues, nationalities and confederations will be key chemistry components to consider when building and organising your squad.
All squads from every qualifying nation will be up-to-date with refreshed ratings, while dynamic World Cup Items will be released to match real-world performance.
Finally, for every Standard or Premium pack you purchase in World Cup Ultimate Team, you will receive equivalent pack value in FUT.
Phew, that’s a lot of content!
May 29 can’t come soon enough.
Elsewhere, the first screenshots of PES 2019 have been leaked online.
Check out the updated graphics and the PES 2019 release date here.
NOW WATCH THE BRILLIANT WORLD CUP GAME IN ACTION BELOW.