Very little is consistent in the gaming industry, but one of the few things that is is the evolution of EA’s FIFA series, with new additions, in-game features and a refreshed new roster fresh after the end of the summer transfer (pre-season, or not – depending on the country) window.
With this year’s upcoming FIFA 14, it’s no different. The latest new feature that has been showcased via EA for the game is the revamped transfer system in the game, and the concept of the Global Transfer Network in FIFA 14. The Global Transfer Network, of course, is part of the FIFA Career Mode that offers the chance to play as a manager.
Among all other features on offer from the Global Transfer Network in FIFA 14, it seems like EA will focus and try to re-invent the art of scouting players from around the world.
As the newly revealed trailer for the feature (see below) shows, each club will start out with between one to four scouts among staff. While larger clubs will have to option to start with a preferred number of scouts, smaller sides may only have one scout available, for the time being. Eventually, all clubs will acquire the ability to hire up to six scouts with an aim to assess talent. The video also shows that scouts themselves will be rated from one to five stars depending on their influence in the market and the ability to draw talent into the club.
While on the hunt for new talent, scouts can now target up to six player traits to help determine who will be the right fit for the squad. The amount of time the player may have to wait for before getting news about the preferred player will depend on the search’s specificity, and the quality of the scout the player hired in the first place.
Normally, scouts will report back to the manager with information on players after a few days, which can stretch up to a week. As expected, with previous FIFA editions in mind, scouts can be relocated at any time and they will be constantly searching for talent all through the season.
There is also a brand new transfer option that allows users to “reject all/disallow future offers” for a player, which will then prevent other clubs from continuing to approach with offers for that players (or a number of players) who is not for sale. For example, if you want to get rid of all those pestering bids made by Manchester City for the services of Arsenal’s Santi Cazorla or Theo Walcott (Arsenal supporter here), then you can.
Apart from this, non-user controlled clubs will never inquire about a player and will only approach the player’s club when interested in purchasing someone from his team. Players will also have the option to disable the initial transfer window in their first year in Career Mode, to allow for more accurate, real-world squads. Later, however, regular transfer options will become available starting with the mid-season, January transfer window.
Check below for the trailer, and see here more details on the Global Transfer Network.
FIFA 14 is currently set for a Sept. 24 release in North America and Sept. 26 release in Europe for PS2, PS3, PS4, PSP, PS Vita, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Wii, 3DS, Android and iOS.