According to reports from online media outlet Goal, players who pay close attention to details have noted that EA's FC 25 (formerly known as FIFA) has not faithfully reproduced all of Sancho's tattoos. One of the most noticeable changes is on his right arm, where popular animated characters such as Sonic, Mario, Spiderman, and the Simpsons used to be depicted in his tattoos, but have now been altered.
Despite the overall shape and position of the tattoos remaining unchanged, the iconic characters in the digital version have been removed, replaced with solid black ink to maintain the visual effect without infringing on any copyright. The reason for this alteration lies in copyright restrictions. While EA has been striving to create realistic depictions of players, they do not own the rights to the popular characters featured in Sancho's tattoos. Therefore, the game developers had no choice but to modify the appearance of the Chelsea winger in the game.
This is not the first time Sancho has lost his tattoos in a video game. In 2019, when the game was still called FIFA, Sancho expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of tattoos. He stated, "My tattoos need to be in the next FIFA game," calling for a more accurate portrayal of his body art. He also urged EA to improve his hairstyle, noting that his unique fade was not accurately represented in the FIFA 20 version. However, not all of Sancho's tattoos are tributes to cartoon characters and video game stars; one of his most personal and touching tattoos is dedicated to his younger brother who passed away.
The attention to detail in capturing Sancho's tattoos in the FC 25 game reflects the commitment of EA to portraying players as authentically as possible. While the removal of the copyrighted characters may disappoint some fans who enjoyed spotting familiar figures in Sancho's tattoos, it was a necessary step to comply with intellectual property laws and avoid legal issues. The blurred tattoos still maintain the essence of the original design, ensuring that Sancho's distinctive body art remains a part of his digital persona in the game.Fans of FC 25 and followers of Sancho's career will likely appreciate the efforts made by EA to address the copyright concerns while preserving the integrity of the player's appearance. The change in his tattoos demonstrates the complexities of navigating the world of digital art and intellectual property in the gaming industry, where even the smallest details can have legal implications. As technology continues to advance, ensuring that virtual representations of real-life individuals comply with copyright laws will become increasingly crucial for game developers and publishers.In conclusion, the decision to blur Sancho's tattoos in the FC 25 game highlights the intricate balance that game developers must strike between creative expression and copyright compliance. By making adjustments to avoid potential legal issues, EA has shown a commitment to respecting intellectual property rights while still presenting players in a realistic and accurate manner. As the gaming industry evolves, collaboration between developers, players, and rights holders will be essential to navigate the complexities of digital representation and ensure a fair and legal gaming experience for all.