Electronic Arts has quietly removed loot boxes from the South Korean version of EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA), in response to ongoing regulatory scrutiny of randomized monetization mechanics in the country.
According to reports from local media and confirmed by the game’s official Korean support channels, the “Ultimate Team” mode in EA FC 24 no longer allows players in South Korea to purchase loot boxes using real currency. Players are now only able to obtain card packs through in-game progress and achievements.
The move comes just months after the Korean Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) intensified oversight of in-game monetization practices, particularly targeting loot boxes—a model long criticized by lawmakers and consumer protection groups for its resemblance to gambling.
South Korea has a history of tough regulatory action in this space. In 2021, Nexon, Netmarble, and other domestic publishers were fined for misleading loot box odds.
In 2022, new guidelines required publishers to clearly disclose drop rates for all randomized in-game items. EA has previously been investigated by the KFTC over its Ultimate Team mechanics but avoided direct penalties.
As of now, EA has not issued a formal statement regarding whether this change will extend to future iterations of the EA Sports FC franchise or if the move is temporary pending further guidance from regulators.
