EA Releasing Free Version Of FIFA Online

EA has announced a free to play PC version of their widely popular FIFA series that will be available to download online.  The game will use mouse only controls and will be available for open Beta testing starting in June.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) announced today development of a free*, downloadable game called EA SPORTS™ FIFA Online that will make its most popular and highest rated^ videogame franchise available to soccer fans with a broadband internet connection and an average spec laptop computer or desk-top personal computer. The free-to-play EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer videogame will call on soccer fans and gamers to help shape features during closed beta testing prior to its English language European open beta release in June 2010.

“There are a large number of soccer fans who do not want a console gaming experience due to time and other priorities in their personal lives but they still want to be able to play a top-quality soccer videogame,” explained Makita. “FIFA Online will be designed specifically for them.”

EA SPORTS FIFA Online will offer an authentic soccer experience with 30 licensed leagues, 500 clubs and more than 15,000 players. During the first closed beta stage beginning February 3, the game will feature a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa tournament mode and a control system that uses the mouse only. At the second stage of closed beta, the game will feature a League Mode that enables fans to manage and compete as their favorite soccer club, and the ability to play online matches. FIFA Online will enable soccer fans and gamers to build their favorite club into their dream team by developing or acquiring players, upgrading skills, and getting unique apparel by earning in-game currency to acquire items or through micro-transactions. Additional content will be designed for the game based on feedback by fans.

Doing my duty as an investigative reporter, I tried signing into my EA account to sign up for the open beta but the following occurred:

I entered open beta, read and signed agreement, allowed a profiling of my system, clicked accept and my system crashed ( I repeated this a few times actually), I tried to decline profiling and was denied access to open beta and was told that by not sending the information I was not allowed to participate in this beta but maybe eligible for future betas.  Well so much for that.  If any of you have better luck please let us know in the comment section.