FIFA 22 release date confirmed: New gameplay features and cover star revealed

FIFA 22 is coming later this year. Here’s everything you need to know.

By Rob Leane

Published: Thursday, 29 July 2021 at 12:00 am

It’s nearly time to head back onto the pitch, as the annual football game for EA is on the way – we will all be playing FIFA 22 before we know it, and today a new gameplay video has emerged for it.

While anticipation is high for the new FIFA, EA does have the artist formally known as PES, now eFootball, to contend with – Konami has drastically changed the game by going free to play, and it will be interesting to see whether those long-term rivals are able to steal any of the football glory from FIFA.

FIFA 22 will have a major boost, with EA saying that its next-gen HyperMotion technology “brings football’s most realistic and immersive gameplay experience to life, in every match and across every mode on next-gen consoles and Stadia”.

EA has also claimed that FIFA 22 “combines Advanced 11v11 Match Capture and proprietary machine learning technology to deliver the most realistic, fluid and responsive football experience for next-gen consoles and Stadia, unlocking the raw emotion, passion and physicality of the world’s game”.

To recap all we know about the next FIFA, and to check out that gameplay video, read on!

FIFA 22’s release date

EA Sports has confirmed that the FIFA 22 release date is set for 1st October 2021, with the game due to launch slap-bang in the middle of autumn. Last year’s FIFA 21 game launched a whole week later than that, if you were wondering. Prior to that, FIFA 20 and FIFA 19 both launched in late September. The FIFA 22 release date isn’t much of a break from tradition, then.

What’s new in FIFA 22 gameplay?

EA is particularly keen to shout about HyperMotion, a new tech advancement, which the company describes like so: “HyperMotion technology enabled the integration of the first-ever motion capture of 22 professional footballers playing at high intensity. Additionally, EA’s proprietary machine-learning algorithm learns from more than 8.7 million frames of advanced match capture, then writes new animations in real time to create organic football movement across a variety of interactions on the pitch. Whether it’s a shot, pass or cross, HyperMotion transforms how players move on and off the ball.”

HyperMotion will be present in the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Google Stadia versions of the game. But if you’re playing on PS4, Xbox One and PC, you will still get to see some changes from last year’s game. As for what the game will look like with HyperMotion, there’s now a gorgeous trailer that shows off that very thing.

We’ve embedded the snazzy new game trailer for your viewing pleasure right here:

Which platforms and consoles will get FIFA 22?

EA has promised that FIFA 22 “will be available worldwide on October 1 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Origin and Steam, Stadia, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One”. The official press release also confirms that a Legacy Edition – with new kits and players, but lacking the new gameplay features – will be available on Nintendo Switch. This is broadly what fans were expecting.

Can I pre-order FIFA 22?

Yes, pre-orders have begun for FIFA 22, with major retailers putting up their product pages and the EA Sports website setting up a whole page dedicated to pre-orders. Take a look below at some of your options when it comes to buying the game:

"Kylian
Kylian Mbappé takes to the field in this next-gen FIFA 22 screenshot.
EA Sports

Of those other changes, EA says, “The new game also offers deep and innovative features across other parts of gameplay and our most popular modes including Career Mode, VOLTA FOOTBALL, Pro Clubs and FIFA Ultimate Team. Fans can expect more consistency and distinct personalities between the posts with a complete goalkeeper system rebuild, an all-new Create a Club experience in Career Mode, reimagined gameplay in VOLTA FOOTBALL, and the introduction of FIFA Ultimate Team Heroes, completely new items that represent the stories and glory of cult players and fan-favourites.”

EA has also confirmed that FIFA 22 will feature the brand new UEFA Europa Conference League, so Spurs fans will be able to play all of their European fixtures this season on the game.

And the franchise is making great progress by having the first English speaking commentator in the game by bringing football expert Alex Scott in to talk through our games.

Happy to finally share the news that I joined the FIFA family and will be commentating for #FIFA22! ????????????

This is a big moment for FIFA, for football and women and girls across the world.
It’s also a big moment for me personally and professionally.#FIFA22 pic.twitter.com/A1Lhozl7K6

— Alex Scott MBE (@AlexScott) July 21, 2021

Want to see more of what the gameplay will be like when you start playing FIFA 22? Take a look at the FIFA 22 spotlight video which will give you a pretty good idea!

Will there be a FIFA 22 demo or early access?

EA has confirmed that there will be at least two ways for players to try FIFA 22 before the official release date. Those who pre-order the game will get “up to four days Early Access” while EA Play members have been promised “early trial access”. There’s no official word yet on whether there will be a downloadable demo for everyone else, but we’ll be sure to let you know as soon as we hear more.

"All
All the FIFA 22 covers that EA has revealed thus far.
EA Sports

FIFA 22 cover star

EA has also announced the cover star, saying, “Paris Saint-Germain striker and global football icon Kylian Mbappé graces the cover for the second year in a row, making him one of few to earn back-to-back cover star status, alongside others like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Mbappé has reacted to the news, saying: “Being on back-to-back FIFA covers is amazing. I have a very special relationship with the game and look forward to enjoying FIFA 22 alongside all of you”.

FIFA 22 trailer

There is indeed! The FIFA 22 reveal trailer showcases the motion-capture work that went into creating the new movement styles in the game. And here’s a fun fact for you: some parts of the trailer were filmed at National League grounds, including Woking FC’s Laithwaite Community Stadium, which has led to speculation that the fifth tier of English football could finally be coming to FIFA. Fingers crossed on that front.

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