It seems like every time a new sports video game comes out, it’s just a minor update to the last one. The characters might look a little different and there might be some new animations, but at its core it feels like the same game. That said, sports video games are quite accurate.

You can check Champions League predictions today and good chances are you'll run into the same in the latest FIFA game. After all, sports games have to be realistic enough that players feel like they’re actually playing the sport, but not so realistic that it becomes boring. This is a fine line that developers have to walk.

Then again, we see the same sports games being released year after year with only minor changes. It’s not ideal, but until something changes it looks like this is how things are going to be. With that in mind, let's have a look at why all sports video games feel the same today.

Are there any differences in graphics and visuals between sports video games?

There are definitely differences in graphics and visuals between sports video games. For instance, some games might have better graphics than others. And while this doesn’t necessarily make one game better than the other, it can be a factor that contributes to the overall gaming experience.

Some games might also have more realistic visuals, while others might be more stylized. However, these enhanced graphics tend to break the game to say the least. More often than not, you'll find a plethora of videos and live streams online where players showcase game mechanics and physics that are absolutely broken even though the game looks visually stunning.

Do all sports video games cater to the same audience?

No, all sports video games do not cater to the same audience. There are many different types of sports video games, each with their own target audience. But just because there are different sports game, it doesn't mean they're fundamentally different. This is especially true when games like FIFA, NHL, NBA, Madden, UFC and so on are all developed by EA (Electronic Arts) and they all use the same engine.

Therefore, different sport games but same mechanics so everything feels the same. Just like Fallout 3 and 4. for instance. Fallout 3 was released in October 2008, while Fallout 4 was released in November 2015. Seven years apart and both games have the same engine with only difference being the graphics.

Have sports video games become too similar?

There is no doubt that sports video games have become increasingly popular over the years. And with the advances in technology, these games have become more and more realistic. But some people are starting to wonder if they have become too similar.

Other than graphics improvement, there's very little in terms of game variety. Most of the time, the games are very repetitive even though new versions of the game are released each year. The only innovation is loot boxes and microtransactions that are costly and ridiculous.

And finally, many people feel like sports video games are becoming too easy. With all of the assists and tutorials available, it’s not uncommon for someone to go through an entire season without ever losing a game. This takes away from the challenge and makes the game less enjoyable.

There's no doubt that there are amazing sports games today. However, with game development studios being more concerned about revenue and not about customers satisfaction, there are little to no improvements to sports games as of late.