EA Sports has confirmed that they are 'focused' on bringing cross-play functionality to the Pro Clubs game mode.
When EA Sports first unveiled FIFA 23 in July it was confirmed that cross-play functionality would be introduced for the first time in EA Sports FIFA history in this year's game. However, EA subsequently confirmed that cross-play would only be available in 1v1 game modes, and not the popular Pro Clubs game mode.
This news sparked a significant community backlash, with popular Pro Clubs community website @TheVFL_ posting a strongly worded statement on their Twitter page that amassed over 13,000 likes, leading to the hashtag #SaveProClubs trending on Twitter as a result.
EA responded a few days later, with Pro Clubs Producer Delaney Leatherdale confirming on EA's Top Bins Live show that cross-play wouldn't be coming to Pro Clubs on FIFA 23 at launch due to "added complexity in developing modes with multiple players playing on the same team". However, EA has now communicated via their Pro Clubs & VOLTA Deep Dive pitch notes that they remain 'focused' on bringing cross-play functionality to the Pro Clubs game mode.
"I wanted to start off by speaking to an important topic in the community, cross-play," Said Richard Walz, Game Design Director for Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football at EA Sports.
"I share your desire to see cross-play in Pro Clubs, and understand the frustrations for not seeing it included in the launch of FIFA 23.
"While we're excited with the first steps to bring new cross-play features to FIFA 23, we also recognize what cross-play functionality could mean to the Pro Clubs mode with the potential for improving matchmaking and allowing friends from different platforms of the same generation to play together.
"With the scale of such an important feature, our goal is to bring you the best possible experiences. As we look at our cross-play future, we’re focused on matchmaking in Pro Clubs, VOLTA, and FUT Co-op, as well as cross-platform lobby invites and ultimately cross-platform Pro Clubs.
"We’re eager to provide updates in the future as the team continues to execute the plan for the future of cross-play. We love the passion of our community, and you help strengthen our resolve to push the mode forward and to bring quality changes for you to enjoy as players.
"We will provide an update regarding cross-play as soon as we can, we hear you."
The Pro Clubs & VOLTA Deep Dive pitch notes also revealed a number of other new features coming to both Pro Clubs and Volta for FIFA 23 including shared customisation options, tattoos coming to Pro Clubs for the first time and more hairstyles and accessories to choose from to make your avatar stand out on the pitch or on the street.
There are also changes to Drop In matches on Pro Clubs, Post-match accolades, rotating kits and stadiums, 100 levels of re-tuned Pro Clubs progression, and new big goal moments. There are also new perks, skill games and updated Volta Arcade games, with Volta having bigger pitches, bigger nets and more responsive dribbling.
Are you happy to see EA commit to bringing cross-play to Pro Clubs in FIFA 23? Let us know in the comments!
