FIFA Mobile

FIFA Mobile is the follow-up to FIFA 16: Ultimate Team, combining playing games of football with building and managing a team. It replaces previous FIFA games which are no longer available in stores to install with this version available. The title is named differently similar to Madden NFL Mobile (2014) and NBA Live: Mobile (2016). Many elements are carried over from the previous title, but there is now much more focus on many different types of small gameplay segments to progress instead of playing full matches. There is a still a card system at its heart in the tradition of the Ultimate Team games to acquire players and build a better team, but the same system is now also used to achieve progression in many additional areas to make the team better.

The main game modes are live events, seasons, attack and competitions. At the start the player receives a low, custom team and by participating in different types of events rewards are earned to receive or buy additional players along with tokens and coins. Players are no bought directly, but are provided through card packs. Each player has fourteen different statistics and the sum determines the team's total strength through three number for offence, midfield and defense. The game uses licensed data for 30 leagues, 650 teams and 17,000 players. Next to determining the starting players, many formations are unlocked gradually. Tokens earned through activities need to be combined to form sets. There is a market where players can be bought and sold.

During games two types of control systems can be used. One provides direct control over passes and shots by tapping (and holding) players on the screen or to charge shots with swipes to shoot. Another uses a more traditional virtual stick on the left side of the screen and virtual buttons on the right side to pass, sprint, shoot or tackle. Both can also be combined simultaneously. Next to aiming shots directly through swipes, charging with a meter is also important to determine the power. The swipe mechanics also add a curve to the ball, for shots but also during free kicks or corners.

Live events are a constant stream of small events to practice and progress. These are very short sessions letting the player practice in skill games. Attack is a new game mode to play against another player where each one receive half a match with many attack phases in succession to score as many goals as possible. As soon as a goal is scored or the defense passes the mid, the next attack phase is started right away. Participating requires energy tied to a stamina system that needs to be recharged by waiting or through in-app purchases. Other currencies are coins, and FIFA points as a premium currency for most of the items in the store. There are general competitions and fully licensed seasons for England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia and so on. Experience adds to a global player level and the amount of fans also plays a role.