Electronic Arts has added a new feature to "FIFA 21" called "Playtime," the patch notes say, "giving players more control and visibility over how they play. These tools will allow players to set parental control-like limits on the time and money they spend in the game, EA said in a follow-up blog post.

"FIFA Playtime gives you an overview of the time you spend in FIFA 21 and allows you to set limits on how you play," EA explained."

"You will be able to choose the number of matches you can jump into, the amount of FIFA Points you purchase, the number of FUT packs you open with FUT coins, or the number of FUT packs you purchase with FIFA Points.

"The integration of both tracking and limits in FIFA Playtime is based on research that shows that access to more information helps players feel more comfortable. Combined with smart prompts that guide choices, players have found a more comfortable game balance. We will continue to evolve and adapt these tools and resources, adding more ways to shape your gaming experience.

When I read about the option to place your own limits on coin and pack purchases, the first thing that came to mind was a ridiculous battery-operated cigarette case I bought many years ago that would only open at user-specified intervals. Whenever I got the urge, I simply pulled out the battery, took a puff, put the battery back in and promised myself I'd do better next time.

Protecting players from themselves is actually not the intent of these new tools, the EA representative explained. There is no ability to prevent players from overriding these limits...The purpose of FIFA Playtime is to give players more visibility into the time they spend in the game, not to actively control how they play," said EA. EA is focused on giving players the tools and resources they need to shape how they play, if they so desire."

The FIFA Playtime website suggests the same thing: you can set a limit as you like, but it will not be terminated if you reach it.

FIFA Playtime also includes mobile and web-based companion apps, and by the time you read this, a PC version should have been released. (The timing is probably coincidental, but interesting nonetheless: EA is currently facing at least two loot box-related lawsuits, one filed in October, claiming that the presence of loot boxes in its games amounts to an "unauthorized and illegal gaming system," and another reported today, alleges that EA manipulates the difficulty of its sports games to encourage the purchase of loot boxes.