Sports games are probably the largest genre of video game in terms of volume of games sold. Typically, sports games are on an annual cycle, this means that every year a new game comes out. This is the only genre of games that does this with regularity due to how hard it is to release a game once a year. Because of this, the 2020 version of a sports game might not look very different from it's 2021 counterpart.
A lot of these sports franchise games have an Ultimate Team mode or something similar. Ultimate Team, and modes like it, involve buying virtual trading card packs with real world money to craft a super team out of the trading cards that you unlock. These virtual unlocks are versions of the controversial loot box systems that are found in many modern games. For more information about loot boxes and what to look out for, here is a link to the ESRB website about loot boxes.
FIFA 21 is available on Xbox One. Switch and PlayStation 4 / PlayStation 5 formats will arrive later in 2021. Past editions are available PlayStation 4, Switch, and Xbox One.
NBA 2K21 is the latest title in the world-renowned, best-selling NBA 2K series, delivering an industry-leading sports video game experience. With extensive improvements upon its best-in-class graphics and gameplay, competitive and community online features, and deep, varied game modes, NBA 2K21 offers one-of-a-kind immersion into all facets of NBA basketball and culture.
Available for Xbox X and PlayStation 5.
Over 50 new abilities and a new group of Superstar players bring game-changing strategy to each game and highlight the stars of the NFL in Madden NFL 21. Improvements to existing abilities bring balanced gameplay, while new abilities enhance passing, pass-rush and ball-carrier moves across every mode.
Place a hold for Madden NFL 21 Xbox X and PlayStation 4.
Whether you're a serious golfer or just looking to have fun, PGA tour 2K21 has something for everyone against the pros. Play with your crew. In PGA tour 2K21, you can play by the rules or create your own!
Available on Xbox One.
MLB's The Show has an exclusive deal making the series available only on PlayStation 4.
A lot of sports game utilize a number of microtransaction systems in their games as a way to make money on top of the purchase of the base game. One of the main monetization methods that most sports games use is "packs" or "loot boxes" in their ultimate team modes. Ultimate team modes are modes where the player buys packs with real world money and in those packs are assortments of random players from throughout the games history. The player uses these random stars to create a team and compete against other player's teams. Ultimate team modes are just one aspect of these games and many players are able to have fun playing these games for hours without ever touching the ultimate team modes.
If you are a parent and concerned about loot boxes or mechanics like it, here is a link to the ESRB rating website that talks about loot boxes and how to monitor your child's spending habits when playing games that have loot box mechanics in them.
