FIFA World: EA Sports' new free-to-play PC title

EA Sports has announced a surprise new entry in the FIFA franchise - a free-to-play, PC-only affair intended for Brazillian and Russian gamers.

In a press release, EA Sports said FIFA World is intended for gamers in Russia and Brazil who don't have a console with which to access the core FIFA series.

The downloadable title will have the same HD console gameplay including Seasons, but will be built around Ultimate Team, which allows players to create their own dream squads using players whose stats reflect real-world performance.

In development at EA canda, the core FIFA studio, FIFA World will run on "average spec" computers including laptops, and will be available via broadband. It will include over 30 leagues and 600 clubs, all officially licensed, including the Russian Football Premier League and 19 clubs from Brazil.

"Brazil and Russia are priority markets for EA SPORTS and especially our FIFA brand. We are excited to bring to these markets a custom-built, free-to-play PC experience developed around FIFA Ultimate Team," EA Sports group general manager Matt Bilbey said.

Russian and Brazilian gamers can register for the closed beta. The game is expected to launch in November 2013.

One other family free-to-play FIFA PC title exists - EA Sports FIFA Online 3, a Korea-only release soon headed to mainland China and Southeast Asia.