EA Sports FC 27 Deep Dive: More Player Control, Less AI

EA has launched development on EA Sports FC 27 and published a Gameplay Deep Dive detailing changes that reduce automated actions and increase direct player control across core systems.

EA wrote that community feedback asking for less AI intervention influenced the design choices for FC 27. Gilliard Lopes, Principal Gameplay Designer at EA, wrote that the goal is to “hand control back to players during crucial moments instead of AI doing things on the player’s behalf.”

Defending systems were a primary focus. Controlled defenders will no longer automatically attempt tackles when an attacker dribbles past. Instead, those defenders will prioritize support positioning to maintain defensive shape. AI teammates have been adjusted to move into position faster and cover more ground for tackles and interceptions, so successful timing and positioning are intended to produce more consistent results.

Set-piece mechanics have been changed to allow more manual interaction, starting with corners. Players can reposition attackers before the kick and manually attack space during the cross. New mechanics named Avoidance and Shield help attackers cut through marking and hold position in crowded aerial situations. Crossing has been altered to reduce automatic targeting and put more emphasis on the passer’s choices.

Attacking runs have been reworked. Curved runs can be triggered to adapt to openings around the box, and a Pass & Follow Run allows a player to continue movement after passing. Developers note triggered runs will not persist indefinitely; users must trigger additional runs if they want teammates to keep moving.

Passing now requires greater precision. Ground and lofted through balls react to where the player strikes the ball rather than automatically finding open teammates. Dinked passes are now a fully manual option. The studio said these changes make certain creative passes higher-skill actions while aiming to balance attacking options with defensive responses.

Dribbling has been adjusted to reflect player attributes. Ball carriers with higher Balance, Agility and Dribbling ratings will be more likely to regain footing and resist stronger challenges. New animations show top dribblers recovering from contact and keeping possession in tight situations.

The Deep Dive lays out how control inputs and timing will influence outcomes across defense, set pieces, passing and dribbling, while AI will focus on supporting shape and positioning rather than overriding player intent. EA presented FC 27 as a response to community requests for more manual control and clearer reward for skilled play.