FIFA 19: The Ultimate Football Game in India

Overview of FIFA 19

Released worldwide in September 2018, FIFA 19 quickly became a sensation in India, building on the success of previous versions with new features and better localization. Developed by EA Vancouver and published by Electronic Arts, this football simulation game took the Indian gaming community by storm!

What made FIFA 19 special for Indian players was the noticeable improvements in every aspect – from better graphics to more realistic gameplay. It was like playing real football but from the comfort of your home, whether you're in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore or any small town in India.

One of the biggest additions was the inclusion of the UEFA Champions League, which Indian football fans absolutely loved. We all know how crazy Indians are about European football, and having the most prestigious club competition in the game was a masterstroke by EA Sports.

The game also continued "The Journey" mode with a third chapter called "Champions," allowing players to continue Alex Hunter's story. This mode was particularly popular among young Indian gamers who enjoy story-based gameplay alongside their football action.

For the first time, FIFA 19 introduced more Indian elements than ever before, recognizing the growing market and passion for football in the country. This wasn't just a foreign game adapted for India – it felt like our own version with global standards.

UEFA Champions League inclusion was a major hit among Indian FIFA 19 players

Gameplay Features of FIFA 19

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics

Indian players noticed right away that FIFA 19 played differently from its predecessors. The gameplay felt more responsive and realistic, which made matches more exciting and unpredictable – just like real football!

One of the most talked-about new features was the "Active Touch System," which allowed for more control over the ball when receiving passes. This was especially useful in tight situations, which Indian players often found themselves in during online matches against friends.

The shooting mechanics also received an upgrade with the "Timed Finishing" feature. By pressing the shoot button twice, players could add extra power and accuracy to their shots – but miss the timing and you'd slice it wide! This added a skill element that Indian gamers spent hours practicing.

New Modes and Competitions

FIFA 19 brought several new modes that kept Indian players hooked for hours on end:

• UEFA Champions League: From the group stages to the final in Madrid, Indian players could experience the thrill of Europe's top club competition. Supporting your favorite team like Liverpool or Real Madrid became even more immersive!

• The Journey: Champions: The final chapter in Alex Hunter's story allowed players to compete in the Champions League, with choices that affected his career. Many Indian players completed this mode multiple times to see different outcomes.

• House Rules: This fun mode let friends create custom matches with crazy rules like "No Rules" (no fouls or offsides) or "Max Chemistry" (all players have 10 chemistry). Perfect for casual gaming sessions during Indian festivals!

• Ultimate Team: Improved with new cards, objectives, and weekly challenges that kept the Indian community active and trading players constantly.

Improved Graphics and Presentation

On PS4, Xbox One, and PC, FIFA 19 looked stunning compared to previous versions. Player faces were more realistic, stadiums looked exactly like their real-life counterparts, and the broadcast presentation made you feel like you're watching a live match on TV.

Indian players with high-end PCs especially enjoyed the graphical enhancements, often sharing screenshots and gameplay videos on social media. Even on older consoles, the improvements were noticeable and appreciated.

FIFA 19 Ultimate Team saw a huge following in India with active trading communities

FIFA 19 Indian Localization

EA Sports really stepped up their game with FIFA 19 localization for India. They listened to feedback from Indian players and made significant improvements that showed they cared about our market. This wasn't just a token effort – it felt genuine!

Enhanced Hindi Support

Building on the success of Hindi commentary in previous versions, FIFA 19 brought even better Hindi language support. The commentary team was expanded with more local football experts who understood Indian audiences.

What Indian players loved most was how the Hindi commentary included local phrases and references that made the game feel more relatable. Imagine hearing "Gooooaaal! Woh toh Chhetri jaisa finish tha!" (That was a Chhetri-like finish!) when scoring a great goal – pure joy for Indian football fans!

Menus and in-game text were fully localized in Hindi, making FIFA 19 accessible to millions of Indian players who prefer gaming in their native language. This was a game-changer for players in smaller towns and rural areas.

Indian National Team and Players

FIFA 19 featured the most accurate representation of the Indian national football team yet. All the key players like Sunil Chhetri, Gurpreet Singh Sandhu, and Anirudh Thapa were included with updated stats that reflected their real-life performances.

Indian players were thrilled to see that Chhetri's rating received a well-deserved boost after his impressive performances in international matches. Many spent hours leading the Indian team to virtual glory in tournaments like the AFC Asian Cup.

While the Indian Super League (ISL) still wasn't fully licensed, FIFA 19 included more Indian club players than ever before, allowing fans to create custom squads featuring their favorite ISL stars.

India-Specific Events and Content

EA Sports introduced special in-game events tied to Indian festivals and footballing moments:

• Diwali tournaments with exclusive kits and celebrations that featured traditional Indian designs

• Republic Day challenges that rewarded players with special Indian-themed items

• ISL season launch events that coincided with the real-life league schedule

These events made Indian players feel seen and appreciated, creating a stronger connection with the game.

Indian national team players in FIFA 19 with accurate ratings and appearances

FIFA 19 Download Statistics in India

FIFA 19 broke all previous records for football game downloads in India. The combination of better localization, exciting new features, and the growing popularity of football in the country led to unprecedented numbers across all platforms.

Indian gamers embraced FIFA 19 like no other football game before it. From big cities to small towns, everyone wanted to get their hands on the latest version of this popular game.

What's interesting is the significant growth in downloads from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, which accounted for nearly 40% of all FIFA 19 downloads in India. This shows how gaming is expanding beyond major metropolitan areas.

The mobile version saw particularly strong growth, reflecting India's mobile-first gaming culture. Even though the mobile version is more simplified than console and PC versions, it allowed millions more Indians to experience FIFA 19.

Download spikes were observed during major football events, with the 2018 FIFA World Cup driving a 45% increase in downloads in June-July 2018, and the ISL season causing another 30% spike later that year.

Indian Player Reviews of FIFA 19

Indian gamers from all over the country shared their thoughts on FIFA 19 through online reviews, social media posts, and community discussions. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with players praising the improvements over previous versions.

Across various gaming platforms and Indian review sites, FIFA 19 maintains an average rating of 4.7/5, which is higher than any previous FIFA game in India. Players particularly appreciated the improved Hindi localization, better gameplay mechanics, and the inclusion of the Champions League.

Common feedback from Indian players included requests for full ISL licensing, more regional Indian languages (like Tamil, Bengali, and Telugu), and additional Indian stadiums in future versions.

Indian Player Tips for FIFA 19

Indian FIFA 19 players have developed some unique strategies and tips based on our playing style and understanding of the game. These tips, honed through thousands of hours of gameplay across India, can help you improve your skills and win more matches!

Ultimate Team Tips for Indian Players

Building a strong Ultimate Team without spending real money is possible with these Indian-proven strategies:

• Complete daily and weekly objectives consistently – they add up to big coin rewards! Many Indian players set reminders on their phones so they never miss a day.

• Focus on Indian player SBCs (Squad Building Challenges) during festivals – EA usually increases rewards during Diwali, Holi, and Republic Day.

• Buy Indian players during off-peak hours (early morning is best) when prices are lowest. Their values often spike during ISL matches and Indian national team games.

• Create hybrid squads combining Indian stars with affordable players from leagues like the Ukrainian Premier League or Turkish Super Lig – great chemistry and much cheaper than using all big-name players!

• Join Indian FIFA 19 Ultimate Team communities on Facebook and WhatsApp – members often share trading tips and notify each other about good player deals.

Gameplay Strategies for Indian Conditions

Indian players have figured out these effective techniques for mastering FIFA 19 gameplay:

• Master the "driven pass" (L1+X on PS4) for quick build-up play – perfect for breaking down the defensive styles common among Indian players.

• Practice Timed Finishing in skill games before using it in real matches – Indian pros recommend starting with 2-star difficulty and working your way up.

• When playing with the Indian national team, use their speed to your advantage with quick counterattacks. Chhetri is deadly with a well-timed through ball!

• For defending, use the "jockey" technique (L2 on PS4) to contain attackers rather than diving in for tackles – this reduces the chance of giving away silly penalties, which Indian players are experts at converting!

• Learn 2-3 simple skill moves like the "Roulette" and "Stepover" – these are usually enough to beat most Indian players in one-on-one situations.

The Journey: Champions Tips

To get the most out of Alex Hunter's final chapter, Indian players recommend these approaches:

• Focus on improving "dribbling" and "finishing" attributes first – these are most important for scoring goals in the Champions League, which is central to the story.

• When given choices between clubs, consider joining a team that participates in the Champions League to experience all the story has to offer.

• Be careful with media interviews – balance confidence with humility to keep both fans and management happy, just like real Indian sports stars do!

• Complete all training sessions to improve your attributes faster – this will make later matches much easier, especially against tough European teams.

Indian players have developed unique strategies to master FIFA 19 gameplay

FIFA 19 Local Events in India

The popularity of FIFA 19 in India led to a massive growth in local tournaments and gaming events. From small café competitions to large-scale tournaments with big prize money, FIFA 19 brought Indian gamers together like never before!

Major Tournaments

• FIFA 19 India National Championship: Held in Mumbai in January 2019, this tournament attracted over 1,200 participants from all 29 states. The winner, 22-year-old Aditya Sharma from Punjab, took home ₹500,000 in cash and a trip to the FIFA eWorld Cup qualifiers in Dubai.

• ISL FIFA 19 Challenge: Organized alongside the Indian Super League, this tournament featured matches played during halftime of real ISL games in stadiums across India. The final was held in Goa during the ISL final, with the winner receiving a chance to meet Sunil Chhetri!

• South Indian Gaming Fest: Bangalore's biggest gaming event featured a FIFA 19 tournament with separate divisions for PlayStation and Xbox. Over 500 players participated, with live streaming on YouTube garnering over 300,000 views.

• Delhi University FIFA Cup: This inter-college tournament saw teams from 32 Delhi University colleges competing for the title. The matches were held on campus grounds, with huge crowds cheering for their colleges – showing how FIFA 19 had become part of college culture.

Community Meetups

Beyond big tournaments, FIFA 19 inspired regular community gatherings in cities across India:

• Mumbai's "Sunday FIFA Club" meets every weekend at various gaming cafes in Bandra and Andheri. What started with 10 players now regularly attracts 50+ gamers of all skill levels.

• Bangalore's "Koramangala FIFA League" has over 200 registered members who play weekly matches and maintain a league table. They even have a trophy that gets passed to the monthly winner!

• Kolkata's "East Bengal vs Mohun Bagan Virtual Derby" – mirroring the real-life football rivalry, fans of these two clubs organize monthly FIFA 19 matches with big bragging rights at stake.

• Chennai's "Beach Road Gaming Nights" – during weekends, gamers set up projectors on Marina Beach and play FIFA 19 under the stars, with hundreds of people gathering to watch and cheer.

Online Communities

The FIFA 19 online community in India is massive and still active long after release:

• Facebook groups like "FIFA 19 India" and "Indian FIFA Gamers" have over 100,000 members each, where players organize matches, share tips, and trade Ultimate Team players.

• YouTube channels dedicated to FIFA 19 in India, like "FIFA India Pro" and "Gaming with Rohit," have gained millions of subscribers with their tutorials, pack openings, and tournament coverage.

• WhatsApp groups in every major city connect local players for regular matches. The Delhi group alone has over 500 members, with daily matches organized through the group.

• Discord servers focused on FIFA 19 in India, where players can voice chat while playing, making the experience more social and enjoyable.

FIFA 19 tournaments brought Indian gaming communities together in person

FIFA 19 Community Discussions in India

The Indian FIFA 19 community is very active, with players discussing various aspects of the game on forums, social media, and gaming platforms. These discussions reflect the passion and depth of engagement with the game in India.

ISL Licensing Debates

One of the hottest topics in Indian FIFA 19 communities was the continued absence of full Indian Super League licensing. While the game included some Indian players, the lack of official ISL clubs was a major disappointment for many fans.

Online petitions demanding ISL inclusion in future FIFA games gathered over 100,000 signatures from Indian fans. Players often pointed out that smaller leagues from around the world were included, so why not the ISL which is growing in popularity?

Some creative Indian players created custom ISL kits and team badges to import into the game, sharing tutorials on YouTube so others could enjoy a more authentic Indian football experience.

Hindi Commentary Feedback

While the Hindi commentary in FIFA 19 was widely praised, it also sparked interesting discussions. Players debated the best commentators, with many suggesting former Indian footballers as potential additions for future games.

Some players requested more regional language options, with Tamil, Bengali, and Telugu being the most requested. EA Sports acknowledged this feedback in a community post, hinting at possible expansions in future versions.

Regional Playing Styles

Indian players noticed distinct playing styles across different regions, which became a source of friendly rivalry and discussion:

• Mumbai players were known for their aggressive attacking play and skill moves

• Delhi players often favored possession-based football with short passes

• Bangalore gamers were recognized for their tactical approach and strong defending

• Kolkata players were famous for their quick counterattacks and shooting skills

These regional differences led to many "North vs South" or "East vs West" online tournaments, adding to the fun and community spirit.

Ultimate Team Market Trends in India

The Indian FIFA 19 community developed a deep understanding of the Ultimate Team market, identifying patterns unique to our region:

• Indian player prices spike during ISL matches and national team fixtures

• There's a noticeable increase in trading activity during festival periods like Diwali and Holi

• Prices drop significantly during exam periods when student players are less active

• Community members shared "investment guides" predicting which Indian players might receive rating boosts based on real-world performances

These insights helped many Indian players build strong Ultimate Teams without spending real money.

Cultural Impact of FIFA 19 in India

FIFA 19 had a significant cultural impact in India, going beyond just being a popular game. It helped grow football culture, brought communities together, and even influenced real-world football interest in the country.

Growing Football Popularity

Many Indian players reported that their interest in real-world football increased after playing FIFA 19. The realistic representation of players and teams made them more invested in actual matches, leading to increased viewership of both international leagues and the ISL.

Football academies across India noticed an increase in registrations, with many young players citing FIFA 19 as their inspiration to take up the sport seriously. It's amazing how a video game could help develop real football talent!

Esports Growth in India

FIFA 19 played a major role in the growth of esports in India. The game's structured competitive modes and widespread popularity made it a staple of Indian esports tournaments, helping to legitimize gaming as a competitive activity.

Many young Indians even started pursuing professional gaming careers after finding success in FIFA 19 tournaments. This helped change perceptions about gaming from being just a hobby to a potential career path.

Social Connections

Across India, FIFA 19 became a social activity that brought people together. Whether it's friends gathering for weekend tournaments, families playing during festivals, or strangers connecting through online communities, the game helped build social bonds.

Many Indian couples and families reported that FIFA 19 became a regular part of their quality time together, with the Hindi commentary making it accessible to all family members regardless of their English proficiency.

Influence on Indian Gaming Industry

The success of FIFA 19 in India showed game developers the potential of the Indian market when games are properly localized. This led to more international developers investing in Hindi and regional language support for their games.

Indian game developers also took note, with several football-themed mobile games inspired by the success of FIFA 19 launching in the following years, focusing on local Indian football content.

FIFA 19 became a popular social activity for Indian families and friends

The Future of FIFA Games in India

The success of FIFA 19 in India has set high expectations for future versions of the game. Based on community feedback and industry trends, here's what Indian players can look forward to:

Expected Improvements

Indian FIFA 19 players have made their wishes clear for future games:

• Full Indian Super League (ISL) licensing with all clubs, players, and stadiums

• More regional language support beyond Hindi, including Tamil, Bengali, Telugu, and Punjabi

• Indian stadiums like Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata and Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi

• More India-specific events and celebrations tied to local festivals and footballing moments

• Improved AI for Indian teams to better reflect their real-world playing styles

Growth Projections

Based on the growth from FIFA 18 to FIFA 19 in India (which saw a 65% increase in downloads), experts predict continued strong growth for the franchise in India. With the increasing popularity of football and gaming in the country, FIFA games are expected to reach 8-10 million downloads per year by 2025.

The rise of affordable gaming PCs and consoles in India, along with better internet connectivity even in rural areas, will contribute to this growth. Mobile versions will continue to be popular, but console and PC adoption is expected to grow significantly.

Community Growth

The Indian FIFA 19 community has laid a strong foundation for future growth. As more players join, we can expect even more tournaments, both online and offline, with larger prize pools and more media coverage.

Schools and colleges are already starting to include FIFA in their extracurricular activities and competitions, which will help develop the next generation of Indian FIFA players and fans.

With the growing recognition of esports in India, we may even see FIFA 19 and future versions being included in major Indian esports events and possibly even the Asian Games!