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FC 27 Gameplay deep dive pitch notes: AI defending nerf, better passing, and more
EA Sports has revealed gameplay changes coming to FC 27, with a particular focus on defending, set pieces and crossing after receiving substantial fan feedback about FC 26. The overhaul aims to shift control away from AI automation and back towards manual player input, reflecting long-standing criticism from the community about overly effective automated defending.
Chief among the changes is a reduction in AI auto-tackling, meaning players who leave defending to computer-controlled teammates will see worse results, while manual tackling, jockeying and switching will be rewarded. Corner kicks are also being reworked, with a new camera system and manual runs replacing largely automated set-piece routines, while crossing will see the ball delivered into space more often rather than straight to a player's head, with accuracy and power determining success. EA also plans to improve attacking spatial awareness, giving AI attackers more creative off-the-ball movement, alongside updates to PlayStyles.
In short
- FC 27 reduces AI auto-defending, rewarding manual tackling instead.
- Corner kicks and crosses are being reworked with more manual control.
- AI attackers get improved spatial awareness for creative runs.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Reducing automated defending and making set pieces more hands-on could reward skill, timing and deliberate decisions, giving players greater control over outcomes. More creative attacking movement and crosses into space may also make play feel less predictable and more responsive to player intent.
The case against
Players may value AI defending and assisted set pieces because they make the game more accessible and reduce the burden of constant manual input. If automation is weakened too far, defending could become frustrating or overly demanding, while less predictable crosses and changed routines may disrupt familiar ways of playing without guaranteeing better balance.
Explained simply
FC 27 is the latest annual instalment of EA Sports' football simulation game, one of the world's most played video games with millions of active players. Each year, EA releases a new version with updated player rosters, visual improvements and gameplay adjustments based on community feedback.
The previous version, FC 26, drew complaints from players about defending mechanics being too automated and effective. Many felt that computer-controlled teammates handled too much of the defensive work, reducing the need for manual tactical input and frustrating those who preferred hands-on control.
In response, EA has signalled that FC 27 will shift the balance back towards requiring players to make more deliberate defensive choices. This reflects a broader design philosophy of rewarding skilled manual play rather than relying on AI automation to carry the burden of defence, a concern that has been voiced by the competitive community for years.
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