How Realistic is the FIFA Video Game

 

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It is widely disputed as to how accurately the FIFA video game resembles real life. In the four matches I simulated and studied there seems to be an overarching pattern: real soccer demonstrates that statistics do not provide an accurate representation of the match. For instance, professional analysis of the 2016 Euro Cup predicts that France has an 82% chance of winning their bracket while Romania only has a 5.9% chance. Even though France is a much better and more stable team, anything can happen during a live match. The simulated game debunks the professional statistical prediction for the overall bracket winner. This can further be demonstrated in the other matches I simulated such as England vs. Russia. The unpredictability of soccer in real life can be seen throughout the FIFA video game. The amount of independent variables that could sway the outcome of the game makes it impossible to predict a winner. While Italy was favored in their Belgium matchup, if the Dutch starting striker, Lakaku was not injured he may have been able to lead their team to the victory. The outcome of the video game matches I simulated could predict the winners of each game and possibly how each team will play against their opponent. The mathematics behind the video game attempt to create realistic matchups, but ultimately time will tell as to whether or not these simulated first round matches play out as the video game predicted.