EA focussed on new modes and features, over gameplay and visual improvements for FIFA Euro 2012

Football fans downloading the FIFA 12 add-on Euro 2012 won’t find any new gameplay or graphical enhancements, with the developer instead choosing to use resources on implementing new game modes, EA has told Eurogamer.

“We felt FIFA 12 gameplay was good enough – it’s really good – it’s not just good enough, that it allowed us to concentrate on providing a variety of game modes for people to enjoy. Plus, we are so close to whatever comes next [FIFA 13],” said lead producer Sebastian Enrique.

He added: “Let’s use the excellent gameplay we have that people are used to, but concentrate on giving good game modes. So instead of providing a mediocre experience here and there, let’s try to get good game modes for the people to enjoy.”

There of course was a decision to be made, but in the end Enrique and his team chose new game modes over visuals.

“You have a certain amount of resources and money you can use, and you have to pick your battles. You have to ask, what do I think people will enjoy the most? Should I spend money having one brand new game mode, or should I spend money having nicer faces? It’s a trade off. You pick the ones you believe are the right decision,” said Enrique. “But time will tell. We’ll see what people enjoy the most.”

However, despite a focus on modes, Euro 2012 won’t offer fans the chance to participate in the tournament’s qualification stage.

“When we were doing the concept for Euro, we gathered all the stats to see what people were playing in FIFA, what people played in the World Cup game, what people played in the Euro 08 game,” he explained. “Seriously, not that many people played the qualifiers. Most of the people just jumped directly into the finals.

“You will have the hardcore guy, or the one that is really passionate and wants to play the qualifiers. But we have to say, okay, same as the gameplay thing, we just provide the finals that most people enjoy, and let’s concentrate on improving the experience on the other game modes, the online tournament, having good matchmaking rules, or having a new experience with Expedition. That was why we decided not to have the qualifiers.”

Euro 2012 will be released April 24 for £15.99 on PS3 and PC, and 1800 MS Points on Xbox 360. You get all the official tournament players, teams, stadiums, ball and paraphernalia.