The video game scene for soccer is becoming pretty heated this year. There's not one, but two free-to-play soccer titles on the horizon - UFL and eFootball, which was formerly Konami's Pro Evolution Soccer series. With so many free-to-play entries, it seems like a soccer fan's dream come true.

However, that doesn't mean EA Sports is sitting the season out. Instead, they're coming harder than ever with FIFA 22, the latest entry in the iconic soccer series. From all we know so far about FIFA 22, the game will be countering its free-to-play counterparts by implementing some impressive new features and injecting a sense of authenticity into their signature soccer simulation. Though creating games for an annual release schedule can stifle just how much can be done in the development cycle, it appears that some interesting new additions are coming to FIFA 22, giving fans of the iconic soccer series all the more reason to be excited.

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FIFA 22's Trailer & Hypermotion Technology, Explained

The trailer for FIFA 22 gives players a look at what to expect in this year's release, as well as a glimpse at how the developers work with top-level athletes to collect data in order to build the globally successful soccer series. With cover star Kylian Mbappé front and center for the action, gamers can expect the French striker to be all over the game once again, sure to be a high-value target in Ultimate Team once again.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of FIFA 22 is the way in which the game will harness the power of the new generation of consoles. As EA revealed this year's installment, they also introduced players to HyperMotion Technology. HyperMotion Technology promises to create a much more authentic and intelligent simulation, looking to make sure that FIFA 22 is the most realistic soccer experience yet.

At the crux of it, HyperMotion Technology is all about humanizing the virtual players on the pitch and making gamers feel like they are competing in actual games of soccer. This technology focuses heavily on AI in all situations across the field, both offensively and defensively, as well as even when idle and passive. Improvements to the AI are said to give non-player-controlled players a greater volume of tactical decisions to make, as well as a greater awareness of when to do so. On top of looking to replicate the sporting intelligence of professional athletes, the HyperMotion Technology also works to prompt more human-like animations and actions for players on the field. From gesturing to their fellow teammates or reacting to the action around them, FIFA 22 is looking to inject some more expression into the game.

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What's New In FIFA 22?

For players looking to dive into FIFA 22's single-player offerings, EA Sports have included some new features to make the game's Career Mode even more immersing. When taking on the role of manager, players have the option to create a brand new club this year. Created clubs have customizable badges, kits, stadiums and even board directions so that each creation can feel unique. Plus, players can choose to insert their custom teams into the top leagues, or choose more humble beginnings and work their way up from the bottom. More focus has been put on the player career, where players can take on the role of a single player and rise to the elite level. With greater ways to build your stats, as well as a brand new skill tree to progress through, there is greater ownership of the progression of your character's soccer career.

In terms of FIFA's main draw, Ultimate Team, there are some new additions inbound. This year, the developers have focused on improving the way in which players engage with Ultimate Team. Division Rivals has been given some added depth, with a new design for progression and rewards, and for those wanting to test their skill with the best, the new Elite Division allows players the chance to get their names on new global leaderboards. As for who players can add to their Ultimate Team, FIFA 22 introduces a new series of players, Heroes. These are players of the past who excelled as superstars, with names like Tim Cahill, Robbie Keane, Freddie Ljungberg and Jerzy Dudek confirmed so far.

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When Will FIFA 22 Be Released?

It's looking to be a heated season for soccer fans. Not only will FIFA 22 be releasing shortly, but Konami's new free-to-play competitor eFootball releases just a few days beforehand. eFootball has a fairly substantial buzz surrounding its new free-to-play tier and gameplay, but that hasn't changed how excited fans are for FIFA 22.

With the European leagues already beginning their season, players ready to dive in don't have too long to wait. FIFA 22 is scheduled for an October 1 release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

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