Due to new loot box rules, EA SPORTS is no longer allowed to sell FC Points in South Korea. FC Online and FC Mobile are not affected by the measure.
Belgium is followed by South Korea: EA SPORTS will no longer sell FC Points in its soccer game FC there either. The reason is a new law that significantly increases transparency for so-called “probabilistic items” – such as loot boxes.
Specifically, the amended South Korean law requires game developers to disclose the exact probabilities for each item in random boxes in future. EA SPORTS has not yet commented publicly on the issue, but has responded by withdrawing the product. The official PlayStation product page now states: “FC Points cannot be purchased in Belgium and South Korea.”
In South Korea, this also affects sales of the Ultimate Edition of EA SPORTS FC, which includes FC Points as a bonus and is therefore no longer available. For players, this primarily means restrictions in Ultimate Team mode: other content, such as evolution upgrades, can now only be unlocked with in-game coins.
Unlike with packs, however, it is clear which upgrade is being purchased. This is a crucial difference that EA SPORTS has apparently recognized. Since March, industry observers have recorded a significant increase in paid evolutions.
No consequences for FC Online and FC Mobile
The games FC Online and FC Mobile, which are considered the flagships of the series in South Korea, China, Thailand, and Vietnam, are not affected by the new regulation. Both titles are operated by South Korean developer Nexon, which uses the license jointly with EA SPORTS. Despite the partnership, there are differences in design, such as in cards, icons, and heroes.
Whether other countries will follow suit should become clear in the course of the year. In Austria, a legal dispute is currently ongoing regarding the legal classification of loot boxes. At the end of 2024, the Vienna Higher Regional Court ruled in favor of EA SPORTS. However, the plaintiffs have appealed the decision. A final ruling by the Supreme Court is expected in 2025.