EA Sports Warns FIFA 19 Ultimate Team Players About Coin Distribution

Matt Couden 6 years ago
ea warns about fifa 19 ultimate team coin distribution
ea warns about fifa 19 ultimate team coin distribution
Matt Couden 6 years ago

Gamers who play FIFA 19 Ultimate Team (FUT) mode in the new game will be met with an in-game warning. EA Sports is making sure to crack down on any possible FIFA 19 coin distribution that may occur within FUT. They’ve even threatened gamers with a potential ban if they cross the line, in a stronger effort against the black market that exists for these items.

FIFA 19 Ultimate Team Coin Distribution Warnings

On Thursday, gamers with FIFA 19 early access began playing the game (on Xbox or PC). Eurogamer reported that as soon as the FIFA 19 Ultimate Team mode starts up, gamers receive several in-game messages. These include a warning note about getting involved in any coin distribution. This is due to the fact that FUT packs and coins have been sold on black market third-party websites for years. However, EA appears to be taking an even stronger stance.

EA reminds FIFA Ultimate Team message that FUT Transfer Market gives players the ability to “transfer FUT items to one another, at a fair market value.” They indicate that anything besides this use of the market constitutes Coin distribution.

The FIFA 19 warning message gives examples of what constitutes Coin distribution:

  • Buying or selling FUT Coins.
  • Giving FUT Coins to another player, or receiving FUT Coins from another player.
  • Giving FUT Coins out as a giveaway, or receiving FUT Coins from a giveaway.
  • Transferring FUT Coins between accounts that you own or that another player owns.

The message goes on to let players know that actions against accounts engaging in Coin distribution are possible. That may even include a ban from the game for players involved in the activity. This is nothing new in the grand “scheme” of the game, or other games involving these, but still a troubling issue for many areas, with Belgium at the forefront.

Belgium Gaming Commission’s Issue With FIFA

EA Sports is under criminal investigation in Belgium due to scrutiny over the loot packs they offer in games such as FIFA 18. The Belgium Gaming Commission determined that the randomized loot packs offered in these games, as well as other titles such as Overwatch and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive should be subject to the country’s gambling laws.

Basically, the Gaming Commission views the loot boxes like a “game of chance” as players never know what items they’ll get in the box when they buy it. Minister of Justice Koen Geens’ ruling ordered for loot boxes’ immediate removal from the three games. If they weren’t, publishers would risk prison time (up to five years) and a hefty fine (800,000 euros). Geens also said if minors were involved, the penalties could double.

However, EA Sports has maintained their stance that the loot boxes aren’t gambling in any way, shape, or form. Back in May, EA Sports CEO Andrew Wilson indicated that “players always receive a specified number of items in each pack” adding that they (EA) doesn’t “provide or authorize any way to cash out or sell items or virtual currency for real money.”

Nonetheless, the third-party websites continue to exist and allow for Coin and Pack sales. The bottom line for FIFA 19 game enthusiasts is to stay away from the Coin distribution. There’s no reason to jeopardize one’s account over black market activities.