When FIFA 22 hits the shelves in September, it will arrive with the inclusion of virtual female players in the game’s Pro Clubs mode. While big changes are common between each installment of the game series, this one holds a particularly different amount of gravitas.
FIFA is listening
The introduction of female virtual players to FIFA 22 indicates that EA Sports is trying to cater to the women’s football audience. This is a welcome step in the right direction.
From FIFA 22 onwards, while playing Pro Clubs, you will have the ability to create female virtual pros. This means long gone are the days of just being the next Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. You can now create your Sam Kerrs and Lucy Bronzes.
Representation matters
It’s great that now young people all over the world can create their own Virtual Pros and see themselves instead of packaging themselves as players they know do not look like them whatsoever.
It’s clear FIFA wants females all over the world to feel comfortable playing the game. They can also be able to identify with the game. Now, it won’t be foreign territory to see a squad of Fran Kirbys destroying everyone in their path.
Test mode
It’s likely FIFA is using the female Virtual Pros to see how the game will eventually look with female teams in Career Mode.
If the added feature is a success, we will see Women’s Club Teams added in FIFA so it’s going to be interesting to see how the female players look gameplay-wise. It’ll be interesting to see if they’ll copy and paste the movements from the scanned international players already in the game.
Mutual connection
The 2021/22 WSL season is going to be broadcasted live on Sky Sports. The big broadcasting deal has been announced, and Sky Sports have a show called ‘Saturday Social’ which is sponsored by FIFA 21, so there will be an opportunity for FIFA 22 to take an interest in WSL teams to see how they can integrate them into the following edition.
There is no better time than the present. Let’s get these moves happening, FIFA and Sky Sports.
