EA Sports FC 27: Leaked gameplay of The Grounds draws criticism

Leaked gameplay footage from a closed beta for EA Sports FC 27 has revealed details about ‘The Grounds’, a new open-world social hub. The footage shows players navigating an urban environment, interacting with characters like Chloe Kelly, and participating in mini-games such as ‘Kickabouts’, which blends football with activities like dodgeball and basketball. The hub also features a clubhouse where players can customize avatars with cosmetic items like clothing and tattoos.

However, the leak has drawn significant criticism from the gaming community. Players on platforms like Reddit have mocked the mode, specifically citing stiff and unnatural character animations, dated graphics, and a perceived lack of utility compared to traditional menus. Some users have compared the experience unfavorably to older social hubs like PlayStation Home.

Additionally, early sales data suggests a potential decline in interest. On Steam, pre-order rankings for the title have been notably lower than previous entries in the series, sitting at 194th in the bestseller list approximately one month before its scheduled release. The game is slated for launch on September 25, 2026.