After a fuss, EA will stop advertising FIFA Points in toy magazine

EA has withdrawn an ad for FIFA Points after criticism. The advertisement for the microtransactions appeared in a toy magazine aimed at children. EA states that the ad “ should not have appeared ” and that it will “ review ” all of its media placements. “We take very seriously the responsibilities we have in marketing EA games and experiences in channels seen by children,” said EA. “Despite this, we are aware that FIFA Points advertising has appeared in environments it shouldn’t have.” Electronic Arts says it will “immediately review all future media placements”. The ad in question appeared in a magazine from Smyths, a major UK toy retailer. EA tells Eurogamer that such ads for microtransactions should not have appeared in ‘channels watched by children’. “We’ve worked diligently with Smyths to ensure this ad isn’t distributed in the remaining copies of their 2020 catalog,” EA said. . For example, users call the ad unethical. The ad would encourage children to purchase FIFA Points with real money. With these points, users can then purchase FUT Packs, which contain a random selection of soccer players for an in-game team. Such microtransactions have been under fire for some time.