The End of FC 26..

The speaker reminisces about the 'golden age' of FIFA (FIFA 11-18) when the game was a staple of childhoods and an iconic franchise. However, he states that the 'magic is gone,' citing stale gameplay and a lack of excitement for new promos. He expresses that the hype for the game is at an all-time low.

The video highlights how FIFA YouTube views were at their peak between FIFA 13 and FIFA 16, with popular YouTubers creating engaging content. In contrast, current FIFA content views are described as a 'catastrophe.' The speaker attributes this decline to factors like unexciting promos, particularly the 'pathetic' Team of the Year event, which failed to generate interest among players and content creators. The abundance of special cards has also diminished the value and excitement of previously significant events like Team of the Year.

The speaker argues that content prices in Ultimate Team are not worth the effort, and the constant grind to acquire fodder for Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) feels like a job rather than entertainment. He compares the experience to having to practice an instrument for an exam rather than for enjoyment, emphasizing that the game has become too much of a chore, taking the fun out of it for many players.

A significant point of concern is the 'horror' of the current gameplay, which the speaker finds easily exploitable. Despite promises from EA Sports about improved gameplay, he asserts that defending requires no skill, only a few formations and players are viable, and 'play styles' have 'killed the game' by creating unrealistic scenarios and overpowered players. He also notes the lack of basic football mechanics, such as scoring from corners, despite their prevalence in real-world football.

While acknowledging that some modes like Rush and Pro Clubs can still be fun, and Career Mode has good features, the speaker criticizes Player Career Mode as a 'complete mess.' He also points out the severe lack of international teams, making it impossible to recreate major tournaments. Community feedback echoed these sentiments, with players citing life commitments, the lack of creativity due to meta playstyles, predictable career mode scenarios, and the overabundance of promos and easily accessible high-rated squads in Ultimate Team as reasons for their disengagement.

The video concludes by reiterating that the competitive gaming culture has become draining due to the 'cheesing' and exploitative nature of gameplay and playstyles. This has killed the casual aspect of FIFA, making it less fun. The speaker feels that EA has had multiple chances to improve the game, but the current state is still stale. He believes the game has reached 'a point of no return,' and players will never get back to the 'golden age,' despite some still finding enjoyment in specific modes.