EAFC 25, the latest edition of the EAFC game title, previously known as FIFA, has made headlines for more that its gameplay in the run in to the release.
While many fans eager to explore the game’s new mechanics, new game modes and improved graphics, a significant point of debate has been brought up over the soundtrack— specifically the inclusion of Did It First by Ice Spice & Central Cee.
For many, this choice represents a sharp departure from the traditional music that has been integral to the game’s identity for years.
The FIFA/EAFC series has been long been praised not only for its crisp gameplay but also for its carefully curated soundtracks.
EA’s music selections have historically introduced gamers to a diverse mix of genres, with a particular emphasis on indie, alternative, and non-mainstream artists.
These songs have become synonymous with the game, creating an atmosphere that transports players into a unique dimension of sorts while playing the game, the tracks selected often create a pleasant playing environment, which is rather important for a stressful game.
Tracks like Love Me Again by John Newman and Song 2 by Blur have etched themselves into gaming lore, providing a sense of nostalgia that hits home with longtime fans.
Unlike other video game franchises that often rely on blockbuster hits or mainstream artists, FIFA (and now FC) has been known for giving lesser-known musicians a platform. The result is a soundtrack that resonates with players, creating a bond between the music and in-game experience.
FIFA players frequently express fond memories of discovering new artists through the game and reminiscing about the iconic tunes that have accompanied them through past editions.
Most recently the indie music that often stems from games like FIFA/EA have led to the rise of the Barclaysmen trend, that has taken over the world of football twitter.
Although mainstream artists like Dua Lipa have feature on FIFA soundtracks, the recent inclusion of Did It First in FC 25 has raised a point of concern, with fans believing this addition is EA straying away from the traditional music that has featured in past titles.
Ice Spice and Central Cee are undeniably popular artists, with mainstream success and millions of followers, but many fans argue that their music doesn’t fit with the ethos of what EA Sports soundtracks have typically been about.
Social media has been flooded with complaints and disapproval from longtime players who feel that this new, more commercial direction is out of step with what made the soundtracks special.
For many, the introduction of artists like Ice Spice dilutes the indie and alternative vibe that they’ve come to expect from the game.
Ice spice in FIFA pic.twitter.com/dPG75Y1htI
— Troy🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 (@troyboy621) September 16, 2024
Critics of this decision feel that EA is catering more to mainstream tastes, sacrificing niche factor and distinctiveness that sets FIFA apart.
The soundtrack was often seen as a way for players to connect with global, often underground, music scenes. Tracks from artists like Glass Animals, Kasabian, and MGMT became cult classics within the game’s community, as these songs were not necessarily top-40 hits but instead represented a variety of cultures and sounds that aligned with the global nature of football itself.
In the case of FC 25, Did It First seems to reflect a broader cultural shift, one that leans more heavily into the mainstream to appeal to wider audiences. While this might seem like a smart business move from EA, it has sparked concern among purists.
What we can sort of conclude on is that the backlash isn’t the choice of song, but also the direction the franchise might be heading in.
It seems evident that the inclusion of Did It First is a commercial move, for many of the cult fans of FIFA/EA the nostalgia of the game lies more so in the aspect of discovering new, lesser known music.