Deeper Down The Piggy Bank Hole As FIFA Points Got Pricier

Happy Pride Month, fellow gamers [29]! Nearly two weeks ago, we have previously discussed the statistics of the mind-blowing incomes of FIFA eSports players that are bigger, compared to how much footballers outside of online gaming make these days [22] [30] [31]. Recently, the price for FIFA points has been increased by a little more than 14% by EA (Electronic Arts) [21]. Moreover, according to a recent report, EA earned approximately over $1.940 billion from in-game purchases throughout the last twelve months [5], leading to the possibility of increased prices for FIFA points resulting in about £710 million more [21]. As pretty as the four shortly upcoming pastel colours for Joy-Cons for the Nintendo Switch are and as ecstatic as our loyal lombaxes and robotic rangers are for the upcoming PC port of Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart [12] [15] [16] [17], it is important to be wise when it comes to purchasing in-game currency with real currency, especially when discovering price increases that seem so sudden. Furthermore, we shall reflect on some reactions to the new prices for FIFA points [21], along with the financial benefits of being a professional FIFA eSports player we discussed previously shortly after the announcement of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge [18] [22] [33]. 

Specific amounts for FIFA points have gotten pricier by over 10% over a week ago [21]. As a result, some FIFA footballers may stick to buying FIFA Ultimate Team packs with FIFA coins that are earned by selling things on the Transfer Market, receiving rewards in the Squad Battles and Rivals modes, playing matches in FIFA Ultimate Team [9], but how many players are affected by the increased prices exactly [21]? [9]

Reflecting on the previous survey regarding financial flourishing involving FIFA [30] [31], the weekly salary for a professional FIFA eSports player is about $2,000 [22]. As for a recent survey regarding the increase of prices for FIFA points established by EA, over 65% of FIFA footballers claim that they are not put off by the increase in cost for FIFA points, which increases the likeliness of £710 million for EA [21]. Considering how much professional FIFA eSports players have been making these days [22] [30] [31], that claim does not really surprise me, yet I can put myself in the smaller fraction’s trainers in terms of a decision. No offence to wise and friendly Twitter Blue subscribers who have a monetised Twitter account, but £11.00 a month for a subscription? I will pass, thank you [6] [19] [28]. Even though microtransactions and subscription services are quite a convenient way for a company to remain financially stable, preferring to stick to considerably cheaper gaming subscriptions, such as Nintendo Switch Online as a consumer is understandable and a company can still be called out for signs of greed [20]. Since FIFA Coins can be earned, but not bought, according to EA SPORTS FIFA’s terms and conditions [10], the increased price for a smaller amount of FIFA points could be a decent deal for many FIFA footballers [21].

In-game purchases for DLC and microtransactions are always optional. Nearly a pound for one-hundred FIFA points or almost a fiver for five-hundred FIFA points does not sound too bad [21]. When it comes to criticism towards EA, I think there have been worse business decisions than increased prices of FIFA points [27]. Aside from that, £11.00. month for Twitter Blue would be an okay deal to some, but not for me, I am afraid [6] [19] [28]. [10]

In conclusion, while I am personally not affected by EA increasing prices for FIFA points, what matters the most is a FIFA footballer’s overall enjoyment in terms of gameplay. If you think about it, a footballer visiting a convention as a special guest in their uniform counts as cosplaying [7] [30] [31]. Speaking of cosplaying, it would be no surprise if there will be so many female cosplayers dressed up as Harley Quinn from DC who is the most popular cosplay option, according to another recent survey [4], at many forthcoming conventions to nerd out and have fun at, including this year’s MegaCon at Manchester this July [13]. In the meantime, our sinners are hyped for the forthcoming fifth episode of the second season of Helluva Boss [2] [11], our tama-caretakers are looking forward to voyaging through the Tamaverse and there is a magical new chapter of the fifth generation of the My Little Pony franchise to gallop through as our FIFA footballers continue to follow their passions for virtual footballing [3] [14] [24]. As for EA, it is sure to keep progressing beyond winning the Golden Poo Award twice in a row [1]. Regardless of the increased price for FIFA points [21], let us show respect and support for both male and female FIFA footballers [23] [30] [31]. 

I still get livid at the toxicity and offensiveness that still lurk around on Twitter and other social media platforms [6] [19] [26] [28], which is no wonder why I refuse to pay for an upgrade to Twitter Blue and makes me miss the simpler times of playing games like The Sims Social and Pet Society [25] [32], but I am grateful for your support, and I know there are good people in this world. Moreover, let us show our compassion and support for all the LGBTQIA+ gamers out there throughout the rest of this Pride Month and so on [29], along with both male and female FIFA footballers in honour of equal opportunities [23] [30] [31]. [8]

 
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The Mind-Blowing Financial Benefit Of Being A FIFA eSports Player

2023 may seem like another great year for Spider-Man with two imminent sequels to two masterpieces from 2018 and yet another collaboration with Fortnite [13] [18] [22] [24], but any post-2005 year would be the opportunity for star FIFA footballers to score those goals, especially during online gameplay. According to a recent survey, undeniably professional FIFA footballers are earning more than professional football players competing beyond interactive media [21]. Surely, the FIFA series is not as time-demanding as the Monster Hunter series and the Animal Crossing series, which are some of the most time-demanding games, according to another recent study [5], but there is still an amount of time into virtual football matches for profit almost daily. A notable example of this would be the professional FIFA player Dan Ray, also known as “Stingrayjnr” explaining how he would play approximately 60 hours a week, including training before competing in tournaments [20]. Moreover, FIFA eSports players are earning over 25% more than professional soccer players in the United Kingdom, which is rather mind-blowing, considering how much the modern FIFA games are a lot like live football matches on sports channels due to their lifelike graphics, licensed interpretations of real-life football teams and the inclusion of commentators, only under the control of a FIFA footballer [2] [6] [7] [8] [21] [27]. 

The annual income of FIFA eSports players is over 15% more than League Two players, according to the survey [21]. [10]

From what I have experienced, gaming can require some form of skill, such as three-dimensional thinking for helping Lara Croft strive safely and confidently in the Tomb Raider series [9]. Moreover, quite a lot of dedication and practising must have been required for a FIFA footballer to gradually evolve into a professional for income [2] [27]. Last year, Umut Gültekin, one of the top professional FIFA footballers earned over $250,000 from competing in tournaments [21]. Even if you are a die-hard football fan, please do not be like “Get a real job!” to these FIFA footballers who play FIFA for a living, especially if they happen to reside in a country suffering from a cost-of-living crisis [4]. Some of the money made from professional FIFA playing could go to gaming subscriptions, depending on a FIFA footballer’s choice with a monthly subscription to Ubisoft+ being the priciest, according to another recent survey [20]. Of course, it is not just FIFA footballers playing FIFA for playable profit. According to yet another recent study, Daniel Robert Middleton, also known as “DanTDM” is the wealthiest YouTube content creator in the United Kingdom with over twenty-six-million subscribers and is known for playing a variety of games, including Roblox, Minecraft, the Sonic the Hedgehog series and the Pokémon series [1]. 

Please do not refer to these professional FIFA footballers and other professional gamers as “talentless hacks” simply for playing video games for a living [1] [21]. Respectfully wish them the best if you think this form of profit is not in your interests. On a lighter note, looking at David Beckham playing with his virtual counterpart makes me wish I had one. [6]

Whether you are a professional FIFA footballer or a star soccer player beyond social media, you still deserve plenty of income to support yourself and your loved ones, along with support from colleagues and fans [21]. Deep down, mental health should be valued more than financial gain and there ought to be time for many other things in life besides video games [29] [30]. Aside from that, all the female FIFA footballers who especially love playing as any of the women’s football teams have my support [2] [26], considering how hard we have worked to make gaming more inclusive for women throughout the years and this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup will begin soon [25] [28]. The FIFA series is the best-selling sports video game series of all time, and it has come a long way since FIFA International Soccer from 1993 [11] [12], leading to the franchise’s 30^th anniversary, which ought to be celebrated especially this July [11]. In the meantime, our Sonic supporters and Minecrafters are mining and crafting with the new Sonic Texture pack, our street fighters are feeling feisty shortly after the launch of Street Fighter 6 and there is a passion for the Girls Nite Out Fashion Pack for Bratz: Flaunt Your Fashion [3] [14] [17] [31]. Have an amazing Summer this year, fellow gamers!

There is very little doubt that FIFA 23 would even be enlightening ongoing experience for professional FIFA footballers on the upcoming Project Q device that will basically be a PlayStation 5 going Nintendo Wii U/Switch on us [7] [8] [15] [16] [19] [27]. Until then, let us balance financial income with what is truly gold besides what glitters. [8]

References

1. Amoako, R. (2023). Email to Laura Williams. Revealed: DanTDM, in YouTube Rich List for the UK.. 23rd May 2023.
2. Bebahan. (2021). MY FAVOURITE GAME NOW...(FIRST TIME PLAYING FIFA 22). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEE8V1GZWDs. Last accessed 27th May 2023.
3. Bratz Wiki. (2021). Girls Nite Out!. Available: https://bratz.fandom.com/wiki/Girls_Nite_Out!. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
4. Channel 4 News. (2023). Cost of living crisis: inflation barely drops as Brexit fuels food price rise. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtHDBpQM4kg. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
5. Coutanche, P. (2023). Email to Laura Williams. New Study Reveals Video Games with Unbelievable Completion Times. Associated with https://cribbage-online.net. 23rd May 2023.
6. EA Sports. (2021). FIFA 22 | Official Launch Trailer: HyperMotion Begins. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYsi5QuOJNE. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
7. EA SPORTS FIFA. (2022). FIFA 23 | Official Launch Trailer | Matchday For The World’s Game. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tIW1X2dv0c. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
8. EA SPORTS FIFA. (2022). FIFA 23 | Official Ted Lasso Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TUamiLX6gp4. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
9. Eidos Interactive. (2007). Tomb Raider: Anniversary. Nintendo Wii. London, England.
10. FIFA Football Gaming Wiki. (2021). FIFA 22. Available: https://fifa.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_22. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
11. FIFA Football Gaming Wiki. (2013). FIFA International Soccer. Available: https://fifa.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_International_Soccer. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
12. FIFA Football Gaming Wiki. (2013). FIFA (series). Available: https://fifa.fandom.com/wiki/FIFA_(series). Last accessed 28th May 2023.
13. Fortnite. (2023). Web Slingers Miles Morales and Spider-Man 2099 Swing into Fortnite. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3SrWHTJTFw. Last accessed 27th May 2023.
14. Gamemode One. (2023). Minecraft: Sonic Texture Pack - Official Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OTtMLeFwJs. Last accessed 28th May 2023.
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21. Shaw, M. (2023). FIFA Pros vs. Actual Pros: Which Soccer Players Earn the Most?. Available: https://www.casino.org/blog/fifa-vs-pros-which-soccer-players-earn-the-most/. Last accessed 19th May 2023.
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Four More KnockOffs Of Iconic Characters On Arcade Machines

It has been over a year since I was rather baffled as I analysed five knock-offs of iconic fictional characters that can be seen in arcades or casinos, from Cash Bandiloot to The Winsons [35] [36]. When I was gaming at the South Pier in Blackpool back in February, I encountered a “community play” edition of Ticket Raider [29]. You know, the one starring the awfully familiar heroine mooching off the legacies of two famous experts in archaeology [35] [36]. As an arcade admirer, I have seen her several times. As I have mentioned before, I am not fond of plagiarising an intellectual property and profiting off it unless it is clearly a parody under fair use [27], but a blatant knockoff would be fascinating to analyse to an extent. I am looking at you, Fur Fun, also known as “Kewpie-Jazzy” [33]. Did you know that there are about four more corny wannabes? Besides Freddie, who else is a Yabba Dabba Don’t for the sake of not having to pay companies for permission to legally use real deals [35] [36]? Prepare to be unamused at four more knockoffs that you might encounter at the next arcade you visit on your next holiday.

Lara Jones is gorgeous and self-empowered, despite her blatant lack of originally [35] [36]. Who else is amusingly unoriginal? [Williams, 2021]

Aladdin
During the week I spent in North Wales back in Summer 2021, I have encountered about two of these arcade machines that feature some of these knockoffs. One of them was “Disney’s” Aladdin-themed [2]. Pffft. Disney, my bum. There is no sign of the Disney logo anywhere. The fake Aladdin within the cabinet’s artwork looks like a younger Jafar cosplaying as the real deal. The genie’s facial features resemble Jafar if he were a loyal sidekick instead of the main antagonist. The Iago reject looks cheerful enough to be considered a good guy. The Abu reject seems happy enough near a pot loaded with gold coins. The overall design of this cabinet did not try to hide the fact that it is trying to capitalise on the iconic animated film in the slightest. The utter lack of subtly in ripping him off is stupendous! At least Cash Bandiloot and The Winsons were more subtle with highly notable differences in character design and names that sound like parodies [35] [36]. I guess the true Disney Aladdin forgot to wish for this to not ever happen as the design of the cabinet probably never had a friend like originality [2]. Of course, this is not the only time this has happened [3] [6].

I can be a knockoff. No, they can’t tell the difference. Tell me, Player. When did you last let a coin inside [2]? [Williams, 2021]

Manic Mushrooms
All the way from Reflex Gaming, a slot machine popped out of a blue pipe and into the gambling section of every arcade [26]. I also encountered this specimen in North Wales back in 2021. The name “Manic Mushrooms” may have a nice ring to it, but it does not cover up that fact that it is ripping-off Super Mario. Is this guy wearing yellow gloves instead of white ones to match his scarf the long-lost brother of the real Mario? Well, that would be rather doubtful due to Nintendo’s history of harshly taking down fanmade games [5]. The rosy-cheeked Princess Peach wannabe is holding a gold staff but she is still part of the copying and pasting [26]. Could the rip-off of Yoshi be an unknown breed of Yoshi or something? Seeing the mushrooms with smiles is rather unnerving as they could have been the decapitated heads of Toads! Seriously! I thought this cabinet was ripping off the Super Mario series, not the Mortal Kombat series [32]! There was quite a missed opportunity to include a Luigi reject too, considering he was employed at a casino once [17]. However, wouldn’t it be more fitting to rip-off Wario due to his money-hungry personality [18]? Thank you, Not Mario. But I guess originality was in another castle [26]. 

It’s-a him! A rip-off! Have we learned nothing from the two Mole Cart games and The Great Giana Sisters [33]? And some of us thought Bugs Bunny wearing yellow gloves was a bit awkward [25]. [Williams, 2021]

JNC’s Super Heroes
During my second time away at Isle of Wight, I have encountered a new league of superheroes printed on a ticket machine that operates like a fruit machine [12]. I bet you can imagine my reaction to its design. There is a man in attire that just shrieks “Classic Thor” in your face in a pretentious tone, along with Superman vibes by the way he is posing [31]. You can tell that the green guy is blatant Hulk wannabe without much subtlety by his fit of rage [12], even though his face and lack of hair remind me of Piccolo from the DragonBall Z franchise [10]. The superheroine appears to be a fusion of Black Widow and Wonder Woman, oddly consisting of potential to be a completely original character without having to be part of a cheesy rip-off of DC’s Justice League and Marvel’s Avengers [12]. Well, at least there are only three of these superzeroes. No reference to the Powerpuff Girls’ alter-egos, Liberty Belle, Harmony Bunny and Mange intended [14] [22]. I just wonder if their arch nemesis is a lawyer wearing a Marvel or DC Comics badge on one of his lapels yearning to sue them, as harsh as that sounds [12]. 

Wannabes assemble! [Williams, 2022]

Flying Tickets 
Flappy Bird was the huge hit that irritated so many mobile gamers with its rather basic yet intensely challenging gameplay from mid-2013 to early 2014 [7] [9] [24]. So many Flappy Bird clones were released, including a minigame in My Talking Tom named “Flappy Tom” [20], even after the real deal was taken off the App Store. To this day, I can still an unofficial arcade adaption named “Flying Tickets” at Hollywood Bowl [1]. Despite how the game’s premise is a shameless copy of Flappy Bird, the only thing that seems original is that two players can play the game at the same times. Player One takes control of a yellow bird wearing a blue helmet by pressing the blue button at the left side and Player Two controls a white bird wearing a red helmet by the power of a red button at the right side, similar to how Player One controls a chicken and Player Two moves a duck in the multiplayer arcade version of Crossy Road [11]. I will at least cut the birds some slack as they at least wear helmets during risky flights when Flappy Bird’s protagonist did not [1] [9]. I just wonder if Not Mario from Manic Mushrooms ever bumped into either bird while going down a green pipe [26]. 

Here is me playing Flying Tickets in 2021 [1]. Talk about a rehash of early 2014 [7] [9] [24]. Pity the real Flappy Bird is no longer available to download and is so early 2014, but at least some clones can still be played to this day, including Flying Tickets and Flappy Tom [1] [20]. At least the two birds in Flying Tickets are more visually pleasing than the flappy bird that started the thankfully outdated trend. [Williams, 2021]

They say that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery [28], but when it comes to imitating an iconic franchise on an arcade game cabinet or casino slot machine in a shameless and rather cheesy way, it would be the sincerest form of unoriginality [35] [36]. That would not always be the case though as The Lion King is one of the most acclaimed animated Disney films of all time, despite the accusations of Simba being a rip-off of Kimba the White Lion and how its plot is a rehash of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet [8] [39]. At least we can tune into new adventures with real deals, such as a mysterious female equivalent of Count Dracula as part of the Monster High Skullector doll collection and Lightyear, the cinematic origin of Buzz Lightyear from the timelessly adored Toy Story franchise, in spite of its mixed reception and unfortunate failure at the box office [4] [16] [17] [23] [37] [38]. With all of these interestingly cringey knock-off characters combined, they can all have a whacky race for an insanely large amount of tickets for a big prize [35] [36]. Until then, fellow arcade admirers. I guess a certain song sung by the Watterson family ought to teach these knockoffs a lesson [27]. 

As I have mentioned before, there is a difference between an inspiration and a blatant knockoff when it comes to identifying similarities [34]. If you prefer Kimba over Simba, that is no problem at all [39]. The same goes for if you prefer Simba over Kimba. I hope you liked my spoofing of theme songs that take the mick out of the knockoffs I described [35] [36]. [13]

References

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