EA confirms that not all FIFA 21 save data can be transferred to next-generation consoles. EA announced FIFA 21 for PC and consoles during its EA Play event yesterday, confirming that the next-gen version of the game would have "blazing fast" loading speeds among other features.
In an FAQ page published on the official FIFA 21 site, EA has confirmed that some game data cannot be transferred to another console. While "all progress" made in the VOLTA and FIFA Ultimate Team game modes can be transferred from PS4 to PS5, Xbox One to Xbox Series X and back again, the same cannot be said for several other game modes. Progress in "all other modes," such as Online Seasons, Co-Op Seasons, Career Mode, and Pro Clubs, "will be specific to the console you are playing on and won’t transfer between consoles," said EA.
Some FIFA fans may be surprised by EA's decision not to allow all save games and game data to be transferred between consoles. Like Madden NFL 21's free upgrade system, FIFA 21 players will be able to get a free copy of the game on PS5 or Xbox Series X if they've purchased the game on the PS4 or Xbox One.
While there are some stipulations, with gamers being unable to upgrade a physical copy to a digital version if they buy a disc-less console like the PS5 Digital Edition, it seems that many fans are planning to exercise the right to upgrade. With such an upgrade system in place, it does seem strange that EA would not make that transition from current to next-gen consoles as easy and as seamless as possible.
FIFA fans may also rankle at the fact that FIFA Ultimate Team progress can be taken between consoles, while the modes that don't make more EA money cannot. EA makes a huge amount of money from FIFA's loot box-style card packs, which the company has tried to rebrand as "surprise mechanics". In 2019 it was reported that EA now makes more money from FIFA Ultimate Team microtransactions than it does from sales of FIFA itself.
The FIFA 21 save progress issue is unlikely to be the last problem that fans have with next-gen upgrades. Sony has decided not to offer a unified PS5 free upgrade system like the Xbox Series X Smart Delivery, leaving it up to publishers. While that takes the pressure off of publishers it may also result in more confusing approaches like this.
FIFA 21 is slated to release October 9 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, with PS5 and Xbox Series X versions also in development.
Source: FIFA 21