Yesterday, EA announced that its annual football sim, FIFA would include women players – and the internet exploded in to a storm of hatred, misogyny and conversely, praise.
“Bringing some of the best women’s players and teams in the world to our franchise is a massive event for EA Sports,” said David Rutter, vice president and general manager of EA Sports. They’re bringing in digitised versions of players from 12 of the world’s best national women’s teams: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, and the United States of America.
As you’d expect, much of the internet devolved in to tired “kitchen” jokes, suggesting that women more belonged there than on the pitch – and a couple of far uglier bits of jerkbaggery. It’s also had equal amounts of praise, with many women saying that they now have a reason to buy the game.
There’s also an issue that’s been brought up – you won’t be able to mix teams, so women and men won’t be able to play them against each other. According to EA (and thousands of men who’re against the very notion of it) it’s all about authenticity, and yet this is a game that will allow you to play as Liverpool and actually win the Premier league. It’s a game that also allows ultimate teams made up of famous footballers who’re actually dead to tackle the rising stars of the sport, and even pit cloned teams against each other.
Personally, I think authenticity can stuff it, and that the inclusion of women teams is a great step forward in making games more diverse and inclusive, without any sacrifices being made to the base game – but not everyone agrees. What do you think of the inclusion of women in FIFA, and do you think more game should do this sort of thing?
Last Updated: May 29, 2015
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:31
Oh internet, you silly twits.
I say good on them for including the wimmins. Guess I’ll go make my own damn sammich now
RinceTheElfRoot
May 29, 2015 at 10:37
While you’re at it…
HairyEwok
May 29, 2015 at 10:38
You know that slide the footballers do and then proceed to put the lower front of their shirts over their faces…. I wonder if the females will do it too.
RinceTheElfRoot
May 29, 2015 at 10:40
I’ll play the game now 0_O
HairyEwok
May 29, 2015 at 10:42
Sorry it’s a mirco transaction DLC if you want to do that. Forgot to mention it.
Loftus
May 29, 2015 at 10:32
Just going to wait here for all the bribery jokes to come in.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:33
“and yet this is a game that will allow you to play as Liverpool and actually win the Premiere league”
#ShotsFired
Sgt. M
May 29, 2015 at 10:36
If you’re playing with Liverfool, I mean Liverpool, it should let you get to 3/4 of the season with hopes of ending in first position and then end the season in 6th place? That would be authenticity!
Also it trades your top scorer automatically after the season because the board said so
Hammersteyn
May 29, 2015 at 10:36
*RUNS…must run faster, must run faster!
http://img-9gag-fun.9cache.com/photo/aNZbYVr_460sa.gif
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:39
https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oggm6ZIh8CA/hqdefault.jpg
Sgt. M
May 29, 2015 at 10:40
Liverpools season was abit like this
*refresh
Hammersteyn
May 29, 2015 at 10:41
lol
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 10:43
OMG did you see that! The blue guy totally fouled him & now his leg is broken! WTF REF!
Hammersteyn
May 29, 2015 at 10:43
Bwahahaha
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:44
…and 2 minutes later MIRACLE heal
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:44
2 MINUTES??? More like 2 steps and the shake of a leg…
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:46
Oh come now, be serious, the cure comes after all the fake tears and milking the ref. Minimum 2 minutes
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:50
On a serious note though: I cannot understand why there are so many atheist footballers and fans. To go from nearly dying to alive and well in two minutes and NOT see the hand of God in there is honestly indicative of how stupid you have to be to enjoy soccer.
Tbone187
May 29, 2015 at 14:56
Run very far away, and fast, chap!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tbone187
May 29, 2015 at 15:12
If at 1st you don’t succeed…
Jonah Cash
June 1, 2015 at 08:12
Dit is nie mooi nie hoor!!
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 10:36
That’s pretty cool. Well done EA… words I rarely utter.
Hammersteyn
May 29, 2015 at 10:37
Agreed
RinceTheElfRoot
May 29, 2015 at 10:36
” it’s all about authenticity, and yet this is a game that will allow you to play as Liverpool and actually win the Premier league.” https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ALKUDSuwrRE/Ttfvs2Gq6oI/AAAAAAABFTc/ET148yxZ_Jw/w506-h337/Sports-Reporter-Hit-In-Head-With-Soccer-Ball-as-Smart-Object-1.gif
Sgt. M
May 29, 2015 at 10:38
The inclusion of women is awesome. But not allowing you to beat Liverpool with them, I mean play against Liverpool with them sucks
Gavin Mannion
May 29, 2015 at 10:39
As a massive football fan and FIFA addict I can honestly say that I truly couldn’t care either way.
If it makes some people happy then great and well done EA. If people get upset over this then they have more severe problems to worry about. You’re not forced to now play as a female. your actual game doesn’t change at all
One thing I do wonder about is how they are going to rate the female players.. are they going to be rated against each other or against the male players?
Would be a shitstorm of note if a female player ends up being rated equally to Messi… and would probably be a shit storm if they are rated against Messi etc..
also…
Geoff… you’re FIRED
HairyEwok
May 29, 2015 at 10:41
Ban Hammered the ban hammer. Heavy joh.
RinceTheElfRoot
May 29, 2015 at 10:41
http://i.minus.com/ibanQgfC9mf5yj.gif
Gavin Mannion
May 29, 2015 at 10:41
He obviously deserved it
RinceTheElfRoot
May 29, 2015 at 10:43
http://sportygifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/sports-gifs-liverpool-fc.gif
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:43
Nomnomnom
Hammersteyn
May 29, 2015 at 11:00
https://s3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/Sv06A91PYIwAI.q8Fp6gOA–/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7cT04NTt3PTYzMA–/http://media.zenfs.com/en-GB/blogs/the-rio-report-uk/suarzmemes.jpg
Anon A Mouse
May 29, 2015 at 11:06
Thank you for not putting up the Stoke game’s final score. A bit of physicality never hurt any spectator.
Anon A Mouse
May 29, 2015 at 11:09
I think that’s where the problem might be. Is a woman player’s 86 ability the same as the men? If they all are going to be rated on the same system, then why will you want to have a mix team, since the best males will be far better than the best females. It’s a bit of a slippery slope, but at least it’s a start.
kuuu(UMAR)rrrr
May 29, 2015 at 10:39
Honestly though? It’s WAAAAAAAY overdue.
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:40
But will there be a romance option???
Hammersteyn
May 29, 2015 at 10:42
There was in the previous one…
http://img0.joyreactor.com/pics/comment/Watch-Dogs-games-glitch-fail-1173427.gif
HairyEwok
May 29, 2015 at 10:44
The kiss back was really shocking for Carrol, look at him jolt.
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:45
Nope. It’s the Goal keeper going for the Ball(s)
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:50
But do they Woo-Hoo on the pitch?
Hammersteyn
May 29, 2015 at 10:54
PC probably has a mod for that
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:55
Getting Un-PC on the PC.
Uh. Uhuh Yeah.
Jac7
May 29, 2015 at 10:42
Not big on sperts gems, but good on EA.
konfab
May 29, 2015 at 10:48
I would like to see the women vs men thing.
Especially with South Africa, Banyana would probably beat Bafana.
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:52
It will only be a fair match for Bafana if they played against teams from Kindergarten
konfab
May 29, 2015 at 10:50
The only thing missing from FIFA now is a biting minigame.
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 10:51
Or any kind of fun game, really. *run*
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:56
Trevor and his truck on the pitch?
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:53
Speaking of girls, you guys won’t believe what our resident make-up expert did today!
I SO WANT TO BREAK THE NEWS!
Rock789
May 29, 2015 at 10:53
Gather round everyone!
Do tell! **listens intently**
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 10:53
WE INTERRUPT THIS FFD WITH A BREAKING NEWS STORY!
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:54
I interrupt this rude comment to wait for the breaking news story
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:00
So, this morning, JJ, in all his infinite wisdom, decided to get the ‘Geralt-look’ with a scar of his own. Let just say a lot of the impact was shielded by his brows, and hence he only has a 3-4cm cut on his forehead, horizontally, not vertically.
HOW DID THIS HAPPEN YOU ASK?
Well, apart from being laughed at by the klapping okes at the gym, JJ was DOING IT WRONG and a 3kg weight fell on his head
ALSO!
I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHIC PROOF OF THIS!!!
I also have his concent, the bastard is sitting at home playing Witcher 3 at the moment, comparing scars with Geralt
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:02
Is the weight alright?
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:02
I mean JJ. Is JJ alright.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:02
BWHAHAHA
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:03
After weeks of counselling, I believe it will be
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:03
Someone should really tell him that you’re supposed to klap the gym, not let the gym klap you.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:04
In Cape Town, the gym klaps you?
Captain JJ Hack&Slash&Dodge
May 29, 2015 at 11:05
I think it’s just embarrassed.
Rock789
May 29, 2015 at 11:05
It’ll get over it… With some therapy.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:03
UPDATE:
Apparently his beard cushioned a bit of the impact on his lips
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:04
Man Dents Weight with Head… Headline Gold!
Captain JJ Hack&Slash&Dodge
May 29, 2015 at 11:04
Fell on my face, actually. Witcher look attempt failed though.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:04
HE’S ALIVE!
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:05
So… you expected the weight falling on your face to IMPROVE your looks? How’s it feel to be that disappointed?
Captain JJ Hack&Slash&Dodge
May 29, 2015 at 11:06
I don’t know what I was thinking. I should’ve known 3kgs won’t be heavy enough 😉
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:06
Eish man. As long as you’re fine.
Captain JJ Hack&Slash&Dodge
May 29, 2015 at 11:08
I bet you can’t wait to see me tomorrow now. Swelling should be down though, plus my beard covers all my mouth damage ;P
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:11
I’d only think it’s funny in person if it happened to Rince.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
May 29, 2015 at 11:13
I’ll give him some gymming advice, then we just sit back and wait. 😉
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:29
That’s a good plan. I only hope my stress-induced laryngitis doesn’t kick in if I see he needs help.
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:30
LOOOL
Rock789
May 29, 2015 at 11:07
Glad you’re ok bud. Lucky sod… Get to play Witcher 3 all day now… That was your plan all along, wasn’t it?! 😉 🙂
Captain JJ Hack&Slash&Dodge
May 29, 2015 at 11:07
Yea, sure. Of course it was my plan :/
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:07
I see his plan! AND IT IS A GOOD ONE!
Scar AND a Witcher 3 day? Sounds like a good day to me!
Rock789
May 29, 2015 at 11:08
I’m off to the gym now too… Maybe I can try something similar… **ponders a 5kg weight, vertically across face**
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:09
You get 20kg weight plates too. *innocent look*
Rock789
May 29, 2015 at 11:09
I would like to survive the ordeal… At least with all my memory and motor functions intact. 😉
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:09
He can only lift five. If his mom helps him
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:10
Do YOU even lift, bro?
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:11
My 20 Kilo dick.
Rock789
May 29, 2015 at 11:11
There are pills to help with that kind of swelling… 😉
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:15
20 kilo nanogram?
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:19
20 Kilo’s of C4. Boom Baby!
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:09
What we are all failing to ask is this: Why 3kg’s? All he could handle.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
May 29, 2015 at 11:10
It’s the one that got away.
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:10
They’re not pokemons. It’s okay to let one go.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
May 29, 2015 at 11:11
LOL
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:11
This. I am goint to say this next time my fiance complains about me farting! Thank you!
Mossel
May 29, 2015 at 11:16
Shit dude! Although it is funny, I think we are all glad you survived. And we are also jealous of you playing witcher the whole day!
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 11:17
Yeah, my first reaction was to laugh
…3
…4
…5
…THWAP
OW OW OW
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 11:20
Mine too. But I’ve also moered myself in the gym so I know what it’s like.
Captain JJ the_scarrrr
May 29, 2015 at 11:18
Thanks man. I’m playing some gwent now ;P
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 10:57
Hierdie is die Flamebait Friday Debate, nie Saterdag Skinder Stories nie!
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:58
Shush jy, lees die storie!
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:58
Nou gee die fokken storie!!!!
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:58
BESIG OM TE TIK DAMMIT
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:58
Los die donnerse tik! Drugs is sleg vir jou!
Blood Emperor Trevor
May 29, 2015 at 10:59
Dis alklaar te lank!
Admiral Chief's Adventure
May 29, 2015 at 10:59
SHUSH
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:53
I take the game is going to have amazing physics with regards to balls. Can I expect EA to keep this fairly sexist free and make sure the same happens to the boob physics?
BacchusZA
May 29, 2015 at 11:29
Kinda of what I was thinking myself. I mean, WTF are adolescent boys (either in age / maturity terms) complaining about if there’s BouncyBoobs ™ physics built into the game. Hell, *I* might even buy it in that case, and I LOATHE soccer, & sports games in general.
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:36
Oh no. If you are straight, white and male, admitting that you like boobs in this industry is an invite to crazy people to crucify you
BacchusZA
May 29, 2015 at 11:38
Eh, the last time a Jewish guy got crucified, he got a 3 day vacation. I could use one of those, so bring it on 😛
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:40
OY! I’ll let you know He went down to the very pits of hell to take the keys of life and death from Lucifer so we all can live free in Christ!
So if that is your idea of fun…
BacchusZA
May 29, 2015 at 11:51
Heh, Jewsih, remember? Satan & hell don’t feature in the dogma. The closest is a limbo kinda thing & nobody stays there long. We are getting kiiiiinda off track here though lol
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 11:54
Maybe just a tad. Did I tell you I had sex with Penny from Big Bang Theory last night?
Trevor Matrix
May 29, 2015 at 10:57
Didn’t EA bring girls into that MMA game too?
Thats_how_I_Troll
May 29, 2015 at 11:03
Jim, beware!!! A game so realistic, we might see you being flung from the crowd.
Grant [_G_] Hancock
May 29, 2015 at 11:34
It’s a fricken game ! … If my fiancée wants to create a player in her likeness and captain Manchester to the cup final then she should be able to.
Splooshypooh
May 29, 2015 at 12:21
Most of the banter around football and the Fifa franchise can get REALLY agressive and uneccesary sometimes. I’m looking forward to the BOOB physics!!!
Splooshypooh
May 29, 2015 at 12:23
Those slomo replays…
RustedFaith
May 29, 2015 at 12:38
Wait for the nude mods to come out 😛
Craig Lotter
May 29, 2015 at 12:26
Frankly it is about time. Now if only the developers would really listen and put back the indoor soccer mode!!! 🙂
Ghost In The Rift
May 29, 2015 at 12:57
Cool, nice one EA, 1 question, will there be bounciness:-P
eren
May 29, 2015 at 13:05
sso? you’ll get the chance to play cr7 against solo? awesome!!
Tbone187
May 29, 2015 at 14:50
Wonder who bribed who and with what to get this done?
Game Crisis
May 29, 2015 at 21:29
No such thing as womens sports
Hermione Granger
May 31, 2015 at 23:22
ps4 version will sell moar…
Jonah Cash
June 1, 2015 at 08:11
I think this is definitely a good call by them. Why it bothers people that there are girls in their game that they don’t have to play as is beyond me! If it makes more ladies buy and play Fifa, then well done. If it doesn’t then who gives a shit… This won’t impact the way I play Fifa at all…