How To Get Storyline Players Fifa 20

FIFA 20 introduced Storyline Players as a key component of its Ultimate Team (FUT) mode. These special player items, often with boosted ratings and unique card designs, provided an alternative avenue for acquiring top-tier talent without relying solely on pack luck or the transfer market. Understanding how to obtain these players involved navigating specific in-game objectives and challenges, a system designed to engage players over extended periods.

Causes: The Design of Objective-Based Rewards

The primary cause for the existence of Storyline Players lies in EA Sports' desire to incentivize engagement with specific game modes and activities. Prior to the introduction of objective-based rewards on a large scale, player acquisition heavily relied on purchasing packs with in-game currency (FUT coins) or real money (FIFA Points), or by directly buying players from the transfer market. This system, while profitable for EA, could be frustrating for players with limited resources or those who preferred a more grind-oriented approach. The introduction of Storyline Players offered a deterministic path to acquiring desirable players, rewarding consistent play and completion of predefined tasks.

Another contributing factor was the need to provide meaningful progression throughout the FIFA cycle. As the game progresses, the power curve of player items inevitably shifts upwards. Early-game teams become obsolete, and players are constantly seeking upgrades. Storyline Players, typically released in batches over several months, offered a way to keep players invested and excited about improving their squads, even if they couldn't afford the most expensive transfer market options. These players often filled specific positions or catered to particular playstyles, providing targeted upgrades for different squad compositions.

Finally, EA aimed to diversify gameplay experiences. Objectives often required players to use specific types of players (e.g., players from a particular league or nation), score goals in certain ways (e.g., with finesse shots or volleys), or win matches under specific conditions (e.g., conceding no goals). This encouraged players to experiment with different team compositions and tactics, preventing stagnation and promoting a more varied gameplay experience.

Effects: Impact on the FIFA 20 Player Base

The introduction of Storyline Players had several significant effects on the FIFA 20 player base. One of the most notable was a democratization of access to high-rated players. Previously, acquiring elite players often required significant investment of time and/or money. Storyline Players provided a more accessible route for casual players to build competitive squads, reducing the power gap between those who spent heavily on the game and those who did not. This contributed to a more balanced and engaging online experience, particularly in modes like Division Rivals and FUT Champions.

Another effect was an increase in engagement with specific game modes. The objectives required to unlock Storyline Players often involved playing Squad Battles (against AI opponents) and Division Rivals (online matches). This led to a surge in participation in these modes, as players sought to complete the necessary tasks and earn their rewards. While some players found the grind repetitive, the prospect of acquiring a high-rated player served as a powerful motivator.

Furthermore, Storyline Players influenced the meta of the game. Certain Storyline Players became highly sought after due to their strong in-game performance and relatively easy acquisition. This led to an increased prevalence of these players in online matches, shaping the tactics and team compositions that were commonly used. For example, a Storyline Player with exceptional pace and dribbling might become a popular choice for attacking midfielders or wingers, leading to a greater emphasis on fast-paced, attacking football.

A significant, often overlooked, effect was the creation of a secondary market for objective completion. While against EA's terms of service, some players offered services to complete objectives on behalf of others, highlighting the demand for these players and the perceived difficulty or time commitment required to obtain them legitimately.

Implications: Long-Term Impact on the FIFA Franchise

The success of Storyline Players in FIFA 20 had several important implications for the future of the FIFA franchise. First, it established objective-based rewards as a core feature of Ultimate Team. Subsequent FIFA titles continued to offer a wide range of player items and other rewards through objectives, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this system. This has become a central pillar of player retention strategies for EA.

Second, it influenced the design of future player items and promotions. The popularity of Storyline Players demonstrated the demand for players who were both high-rated and relatively accessible. This led to the introduction of similar types of player items in later FIFA titles, such as Moments cards, Flashback cards, and various types of Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) that offered high-value rewards for completing specific tasks.

Third, it contributed to the growing emphasis on engagement and playtime within Ultimate Team. By incentivizing players to complete objectives and play specific game modes, EA was able to increase the amount of time players spent in the game. This, in turn, led to greater opportunities for monetization through the sale of FIFA Points and other virtual items. The system encourages a continued presence within the game's ecosystem.

However, the implications are not solely positive. The focus on objectives can also lead to a sense of obligation and burnout. Players may feel pressured to complete objectives, even if they are not enjoying the gameplay. This can detract from the overall experience and lead to frustration. The constant pursuit of the "next best player" can also create a cycle of dissatisfaction, as players are never truly content with their squads.

Furthermore, the emphasis on objective completion can negatively impact the competitive integrity of the game. Some players may prioritize completing objectives over winning matches, leading to unsportsmanlike behavior and a less enjoyable experience for other players. Others may create "boosting" groups, where players intentionally concede goals or manipulate matchmaking to complete objectives more quickly.

Specifics of Acquiring Storyline Players in FIFA 20

To obtain Storyline Players in FIFA 20, players needed to navigate the Objectives menu within Ultimate Team. Here, a series of tasks were presented, typically revolving around gameplay within Squad Battles and Division Rivals. These tasks ranged from scoring goals with specific player types to winning matches under certain conditions. Upon completing all the objectives within a designated time frame, the Storyline Player item was awarded.

For example, one Storyline Player might require you to score 20 goals with La Liga players in Division Rivals, assist 15 goals with Argentinian players in Squad Battles on minimum Professional difficulty, and win 10 Division Rivals matches. Completing all these tasks would unlock the Storyline Player.

The difficulty of the objectives varied, but they generally required a significant investment of time and effort. Players needed to carefully plan their team compositions and tactics to ensure they could effectively complete the tasks. The time-limited nature of the objectives also added a sense of urgency, encouraging players to prioritize these tasks over other activities within the game.

In addition to the main Storyline Player objective, there were often smaller, related objectives that offered additional rewards, such as packs or coins. These smaller objectives provided further incentives for players to engage with the game and progress towards the ultimate goal of acquiring the Storyline Player.

Broader Significance

The Storyline Player system in FIFA 20 represents a broader trend in the gaming industry: the increasing emphasis on player engagement and retention. Modern games are often designed as services, with developers constantly releasing new content and features to keep players invested. Objective-based rewards are a key tool in this strategy, providing a constant stream of goals and incentives for players to pursue. This approach is not unique to FIFA; it is commonly used in other popular games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty.

However, it is important to consider the potential downsides of this approach. The constant pursuit of rewards can lead to a sense of obligation and burnout, and it can also detract from the intrinsic enjoyment of the game. Developers need to carefully balance the desire to incentivize engagement with the need to create a fun and rewarding experience for players. Finding that balance is crucial for the long-term success of any game that relies on objective-based rewards.

Ultimately, the Storyline Player system in FIFA 20 was a successful experiment that had a lasting impact on the franchise. It demonstrated the appeal of objective-based rewards and influenced the design of future player items and promotions. However, it also highlighted the potential challenges of this approach, such as the risk of burnout and the impact on competitive integrity. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it will be important for developers to carefully consider the implications of these systems and strive to create a balanced and rewarding experience for players.