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On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment magazine in the UK“, a new study into Google search data determined which EA Sports FIFA video game is the most popular.
From the pixelated glory of early editions to the hyper-realistic graphics of today, the FIFA franchise has dominated the virtual football pitch for decades. But with so many iterations and evolving features, which ones truly reign supreme in the hearts of gamers worldwide? Buckle up, football fans, as we delve into the Top Ten Most Popular FIFA Games ever released!
The research, conducted by online casinos comparison service Casino Alpha, analysed Google search data to determine which EA Sports FIFA video game is the most popular, following the famous game’s rebranding to EA Sports FC.
The study combined several common search terms related to the famous FIFA video games – including the specific name of each game and terms like ‘FIFA video game’ - to reveal the average global monthly search volume for each.
To avoid recency bias, the study used the average of the lowest three months over the past year to determine the rankings. Due to it being the final FIFA video game before EA Sports’ rebranding and therefore naturally having a higher search volume over the past twelve months, FIFA 23 was omitted from the final rankings.
| Rank | Game | Average of Lowest 3 Monthly Search Volume (Past 12 Months, Global) |
| 1 | FIFA Online 4 | 368,017 |
| 2 | FIFA 22 | 284,000 |
| 3 | FIFA 19 | 135,290 |
| 4 | FIFA 21 | 110,740 |
| 5 | FIFA 20 | 110,310 |
| 6 | FIFA 14 | 110,237 |
| 7 | FIFA 16 | 110,140 |
| 8 | FIFA 18 | 103,790 |
| 9 | FIFA 17 | 74,180 |
| 10 | FIFA Online | 69,520 |
FIFA Online 4 is the most talked about FIFA video game today, according to the research. The free-to-play mobile game was first released on iOS and Android in Korea in 2018. With an average of more than 368,000 monthly global searches worldwide across its lowest three months, it’s still hugely popular, particularly in East Asia.
From classic 1v1 matches to cooperative seasons and thrilling tournaments, FO4 offers a variety of ways to test your skills and enjoy the game. Whether you prefer quick matches or a more in-depth experience, there’s a mode for you. Build your dream squad by collecting and managing players from across the world. Choose your favorite formations, tactics, and playstyles to create a team that reflects your unique approach to the beautiful game.
Overall, FO4 offers an exciting and accessible platform for football fans to connect and compete online. With its diverse modes, customization options, and vibrant community, it’s a captivating experience for both casual and competitive players alike.
With 284,000 average monthly searches across its lowest three months, FIFA 22 ranked as the second most talked about FIFA game today. The 29th instalment of the FIFA series profiled Kylian Mbappé on its front cover as it proved to be the penultimate game before the rebranding.
Powered by HyperMotion technology, FIFA 22 boasts realistic player animations and movements, exclusively available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. Utilizing real-world professional matches, HyperMotion captures and translates thousands of animations into the game, creating a more fluid and immersive experience.
Team up with friends and climb the ranks in Pro Clubs, featuring refined communication tools and a revamped progression system. he popular Ultimate Team mode continues with refreshed player items, objectives, and challenges to build your dream squad and compete online.
FIFA 19 ranked third for the most talked about FIFA game today, with an average of 135,290 global monthly searches across its lowest three months. Cristiano Ronaldo featured on the front cover but following an unexpected transfer from Real Madrid to Juventus, a new art cover was arranged before the game’s official release.
FIFA 19 marked a significant step forward for the popular football franchise. It introduced innovative gameplay features, expanded modes, and a narrative-driven single-player campaign that resonated with fans.
For the first time, the prestigious Champions League and Europa League were fully licensed and integrated into the game, adding an extra layer of authenticity and excitement. Deeper management options, transfer market improvements, and dynamic storylines added depth to the career mode experience.
With over 110,000 average global monthly searches across their lowest three months, FIFA 21 (110,740) and FIFA 20 (110,310) ranked fourth and fifth, respectively. Mbappé featured on the front of the latter of those two games, whilst Eden Hazard was named as FIFA 20’s front cover star following a big money move from Chelsea to Real Madrid in the year prior.
With new features, refined gameplay, and the exciting debut on next-gen consoles, FIFA 21 aimed to deliver an even more immersive and engaging experience for football fans worldwide. Powered by groundbreaking HyperMotion technology, FIFA 21 on next-gen consoles boasted more realistic player animations and movements, capturing the intensity and fluidity of real-world football.
AI-controlled players displayed unique playstyles based on their real-world counterparts, leading to more diverse and challenging opponents. Players made intelligent off-the-ball runs based on their attacking tactics, opening up new passing options and scoring opportunities.
Additionally, with just over 110,000 average global monthly searches, FIFA 14 (110,237) and FIFA 16 (110,140) ranked narrowly behind the two above. Global superstar Lionel Messi was the centrepiece for both games.
FIFA 18 (103,790), FIFA 17 (74,180) and FIFA Online (69,250) rounded out the 10 most talked about FIFA games today.
Meanwhile, the latest rebranded edition, EA Sports FC24, which was released on most platforms at the end of September, managed just 3,183 average monthly searches across its lowest three months.
The FIFA video game franchise is beloved by many football fans as well as players. As the game was localised in more than 50 countries and available in 18 languages, it became the go-to football video game worldwide.
Naturally, thinking about older editions of the game can be nostalgic for many gamers, especially as the franchise provides an easy way to socialise. It will be especially interesting to see how this ranking changes in the future alongside the game’s rebranding.
-Tudor Turiceanu, Chief Editor for Casino Alpha
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