
‘A football playground built for you and your friends’: The Grounds in FC 27 is EA’s answer to NBA 2K’s The City — and it could be just what the franchise needs
THE SO WHAT
EA is doubling down on live-service social worlds — The Grounds is less about football simulation and more about persistent engagement and cosmetics. If you run a game or fan product, assume the competitive bar is now “own the hangout,” not just “own the match.”
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