Why FIFA needs a new story mode, according to the game's developer

        E3: Why FIFA needs a new story mode, according to                         the game's developer

One of the brains behind FIFA's new story mode talks to Newsbeat about what the update will offer.

Aaron McHardy has been helping make FIFA games for more than 10 years.

The new story mode unveiled at EA Play on Sunday is one of the biggest additions to the game in years.

He tells Newsbeat: "We wanted to bring something new to the table. It's the biggest mode we've brought to FIFA since Ultimate Team so it's quite a big deal."

The journey will see players take control of the career of Alex Hunter as he works his way up from a youth team player to a global superstar.

It's a cinematic experience where players will have to make professional and personal choices as they control his life on and off the pitch.

But don't FIFA fans buy the game just to play football?

Aaron tells us: "We asked people what they would they like to see in the game and we learned that this is a mode they wanted.

"A lot of people want to play these kinds of single person experiences but it's also a tool we're using to get new players on-board.

"It takes some time to get used to the game and how to be proficient with passing and shooting and all the mechanics you need to learn.

"We're using the journey to teach them in a way you wouldn't even notice because you're following the story."

FIFA isn't the first sports franchise to introduce a story mode like this.

NBA 2K did something similar last year which was directed by Hollywood movie maker Spike Lee.

Aaron tells us it's important for FIFA to appeal to an audience of hardcore fans and more casual players.

"So many people play our game that you have to accommodate everybody and it's a challenge."

However, the new mode isn't the biggest change players will see this year, according to Aaron.

He says: "It's easy for people to gravitate towards the brand new things we've never done before in FIFA but the gameplay changes we've made are massive.

"We've made a whole load of changes and the game is already playing infinitely better than last year already."

Among the changes are new artificial intelligence, different attacking controls and more physical gameplay.

Many industry experts would say that over the last five years FIFA has developed a reputation as the best football game on the market.

But in the last couple of years the competition with main rival Pro Evolution Soccer has become fierce.

Aaron says: "It's a lot of pressure because you know the world is watching and the world wants to play your game.

"When you look at the guys in the studio everyone is a football fan, and everyone's passionate about video games so nobody puts more pressure on us than we do."

It's been a tricky time for the organisation that the game is named after recently.

So would EA think about changing the title?

"When we make FIFA every year we just get out heads down and make the best game we can.

"Those sorts of decisions are well above my pay grade."

FIFA 17 is released on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on 29 September.