Former EA FC Dev Calls The Grounds “One of the Worst Projects” of Career
EA Sports’ new social hub The Grounds launched as the headline feature for EA FC 27, offering players an open-world space with mini-games and interactive elements for socializing with other players. Community reception has been mixed, with some players appreciating EA’s effort to expand the experience, while others view it as a cynical or transparent addition to the live-service title.
Former EA developer Renzo Barraza, who worked on the EA FC and FIFA franchise from 2013 through 2025, has publicly criticized the project, calling it “one of the worst projects” of their career. According to reporting, Barraza claimed The Grounds will “expose the company,” though specific details about the developer’s concerns remain limited in available coverage. The internal criticism adds credibility to community skepticism surrounding The Grounds’ conception and execution.