Cyber athletes, or professional esports players, often appear to play in a morestructured and methodical mannercompared to real-life football. This perception of playing like robots in EA Sports FIFA rather than resembling real football can be attributed to several factors:

1. Game Mechanics and Precision

• Game Limitations:FIFA is a video game with defined mechanics, controls, and animations. Players must adhere to these mechanics to perform effectively. This structured approach often translates into predictable patterns of play and movements.

• Precision Requirements:Success in FIFA often depends on precise timing, execution of skill moves, and strategic positioning. Esports players focus heavily on mastering these mechanics to maximize their performance, which can give the impression of playing mechanically.

2. Optimal Strategies and Meta

• Meta Gameplay:Esports players analyze and adopt the most effective strategies, known as the meta, to win matches. This includes exploiting game mechanics, using certain player formations, and executing specific tactics that yield the best results within the game's parameters.

• Efficiency Over Realism:While real football values creativity and improvisation, FIFA esports prioritize efficiency and consistency. Players aim to minimize risks and capitalize on opponent mistakes using optimal strategies, which may appear more robotic compared to the fluidity of real football.

3. Skill Gap and Competition

• High Skill Ceiling:FIFA esports require a high level of skill, reflexes, and strategic thinking to compete at the top level. Players practice extensively to master techniques such as timed finishing, skill moves, and defensive maneuvers, focusing on maximizing performance metrics rather than replicating real-world football dynamics.

• Competitive Pressure:In esports tournaments, the pressure to perform consistently and achieve results drives players to prioritize winning within the game's framework. This often leads to a more structured and disciplined approach, akin to playing like robots, to maintain competitive edge.