One of the most used features of FIFA Ultimate Team (which is also the most popular mode in EA’s FIFA series to begin with) is the trading economy that has sprung up; however, as with everything else, players began to exploit the mechanics, leading to what was originally intended to be a means for some barter deals to be used to trade coins and things that are otherwise the basis of the in game economy. Most importantly, players also began selling coins in a veritable ‘black market’ that sprung up around the game- again, undermining not just the game economy, but also the microtransactions that the mode is based on.
Although some honest players used this feature to trade with friends, it became one of the methods used by coin sellers to sell and move coins,” the developer said in forum post announcing the change.
“Account phishers also abused Trade Offers by moving stolen players and coins after wrongfully gaining access to unsuspecting FUT player accounts.
“This will also address ‘bid bumping’, where people would try and trick others into bidding far more than they wanted for a player item.”
“It was a tough decision,” EA wrote, “but this is the right step towards improving security, showing cheaters the red card, and keeping FUT safe for all FIFA fans.”
It’s definitely a sad turn of events, and it restricts player freedom, but for once, I can’t blame EA for the course of action that they have chosen.