One of the major marketing pushes behind the initial release of FIFA 21 earlier this year was the promise that players who purchased the title on PlayStation 4 or Xbox One would be eligible to receive a free upgrade of the game for their next-generation console.
EA Sports have now released more details on how their "Dual Entitlement" scheme will operate, alongside an official release date for the game on next-generation consoles.
Per gamesradar.com, a statement from the publisher read: "For FIFA 21, we’re partnering with Sony and Microsoft to offer you a Dual Entitlement - meaning that you won’t need to buy FIFA 21 twice to upgrade your copy of the game from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5, or Xbox One to Xbox Series X," EA explains. "Discless consoles require a digital entitlement to upgrade."
This scheme is set to run until the release of FIFA 22 (expected late September/early October of 2021). Players will need to make sure that they retain their game disc if they own a physical copy, though, as this will be needed to complete the upgrade, at least on the PS5.
Another point to note is that the physical and digital versions of the game will not be interchangeable when it comes to the scheme.
Those planning to buy a digital-only PS5 or Xbox Series X will also need a digital copy of FIFA 21 for their older console in order to successfully upgrade.
When will FIFA 21 be released for PS5 and Xbox Series X?
EA has confirmed that the popular football title will be released for both the PS5 and the Xbox Series X on December 4.
More good news for FIFA 21 fans comes in the form of confirmation your game progress will automatically transfer once your next-generation upgrade has been completed.
The cross progression feature will allow players to retain "all progress you make or content you acquire within FIFA 21 Ultimate Team (including players, items, coins, FIFA Points, match record, and leaderboard placement), as well as all progression in Volta Football."
The upcoming switch to the next-generation of consoles is a hugely important one for all software publishers and developers.
EA Sports need to get the transition of FIFA 21 to the PS5 and Xbox Series 5 right - and these recent announcements indicate that they are well on top of the crucial process.