A new Developer Experience Series featuring perspectives from devs at Santa Monica Studio, EA Sports, and Bungie highlights game-specific ways to optimize gameplay with the DualSense Edge wireless controller. From adjusting trigger heights to rapidly blitz on the pitch in FIFA 23 to modifying back buttons for seamless weapon toggling in God of War Ragnarök, here’s a look into how you can make the DualSense Edge wireless controller work for your style of play.

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God of War Ragnarök

Developer: Santa Monica Studio

In God of War, you’re hitting the triggers a lot because that’s where your primary attacks and aiming are, so I ended up using the low stops for the triggers to make them feel more like regular buttons.
Jason McDonald, Design Director, Santa Monica Studio

In God of War Ragnarök, you want to move the character fairly quickly, especially in the middle of combat, so the left analog stick I set to the Quick setting, and I did the inverse of that on the right analog stick, which is used for camera movement, aiming, etc.
Mihir Sheth, Lead Combat Designer, Santa Monica Studio

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FIFA 23

Developer: EA Sports

The DualSense Edge wireless controller enables FIFA/FC players to personalize their FIFA/FC experience further, focusing on what matters more to them regarding the controller. Some players prefer their right stick to be perfectly precise for Skill Moves, while others favor a specific sensitivity when Switching. Some players will want to remap controls at a system level to suit their preferences. In contrast, others will be delighted with the ability to have a quicker-to-activate Sprint by adjusting the length of the triggers.

The DualSense Edge controller helped my defending game tremendously, as I can more easily keep Running Jockey active (L2 + R2) while activating Teammate Contain or player Switching by using the new back buttons (as L1 and R1). Having extra buttons on the back of the controller and personalizing them with the command you want can become invaluable when playing a decisive FUT Champions match or a rival derby in Career Mode.
Thomas Caleffi, Gameplay Producer, EA Sports

Among the most useful features that make the DualSense Edge controller stand out and particularly suitable for FC enthusiasts are its adaptive triggers and back buttons, which enable players to have faster reactions and play smarter on the pitch by swiftly switching between different team tactics or changing the team mentality without having to take their thumbs off the sticks. In addition to that, having the option to remap any button to match your preferences and adjust the sensitivity of the triggers will give FC fans more control and customization over their gameplay experience. It is certainly a more enjoyable and improved experience.
Danillo Abreu, Game Designer, EA Sports

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Destiny 2

Developer: Bungie

The DualSense Edge Controller has been amazing for letting me dig in deeper with Destiny 2’s pinnacle activities across both PvP and PvE! I’ve currently got two primary configurations I bounce between for Trials of Osiris and Raids – and, I’ve got a matching in-game loadout to compliment each one. Being able to seamlessly swap between the needs of Destiny 2’s pinnacle activities both in-game and out of game has been a game changer!
Andy Salisbury, Senior Social Media Manager, Bungie

As a massive fan of PvP modes in Destiny 2 like Iron Banner and Scorched, the ability to map my desired controller settings makes it really easy to tailor to my specific playstyle. If I’m going into Scorched, I want chaos. Being able to charge up this mode’s explode-y goodness and then mapping out exactly how I let that fire rain from above using the switchable back options is a blast. It keeps me in the flow, keeps me out of my head, and lets me enjoy the total mayhem that always ensues when taking this mode head-on. With the different options to both the front-side and back-side of the controller, it’s a more personalized experience and that personalization means more ways for everyone to play.
Liana Rupert, Community Manager, Bungie

Both competitions will be powered by the same dedicated Hypermotion2 driving the Barclays Women’s Super League and Division 1 Arkema in FIFA 23, with authentic match capture and machine learning technology creating authentic animation informed by the movement of real-life women’s players.

The NWSL and UWCL will be available and free for those with FIFA 23 starting on March 15, 2023.

NWSL

The NWSL goes live in FIFA 23 just in time for the start of the new season out on the pitch. New headscans for select players across the competition bring the faces of NWSL to The World’s Game and new celebrations that bring the energy of the league to every goal. Take the pitch at four authentic stadiums with all 12 NWSL teams in a variety of game modes including Classic Kickoff and Co-op Seasons. You can also vie for the title in Tournament Mode with a full home and away season that culminates in an authentic shield and trophy presentation, or go online to challenge others to Friendlies with your favorite club.

UWCL

The world’s most prestigious women’s club competition joins The World’s Game on March 15th—the UEFA Women’s Champions League—just as the real-world knockout stages get underway. Welcome four new iconic clubs joining Chelsea Women, Manchester City Women, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, and Paris Saint-Germain Féminine in FIFA 23, along with new faces from across these top European teams. Embrace the energy of European nights in a variety of game modes, ranging from Kick-off with each of the eight UWCL clubs and Co-op seasons with friends to Tournament modes that let you lead your team to glory. And experience it all in authentic UWCL environments complete with the anthem as you walk out, branded UWCL broadcast overlays as you play, and the iconic trophy as you crown your club champions of Europe.

Real football brought to your PlayStation

FIFA 23 utilizes Advanced 11-v-11 match capture, meaning that actual football players came together for full-on matches using Xsens suits. This year’s game draws from two matches featuring professional teams, including a women’s match (a series first). That capture was then combined with EA’s new machine learning algorithm to make players and the environments around them more lifelike.

Various visual and mechanical enhancements further amplify FIFA 23’s faithfulness to the sport. Players’ limbs now react to the impact of the ball, and fully-3D nets even move when the ball or players make contact with them. Other extra touches like new animations and (over 500) chants for crowds liven up a match’s physical and emotional energy. 

Upgrades to the gameplay formula

HyperMotion 2 and the new machine learning algorithm have a hand in various innovations coming to FIFA 23’s gameplay. EA presented several features made possible thanks to this innovative technology. Full Team Authentic Motion ensures that no two plays are identical. Star-specific run styles, improved technical dribbling, female athlete-specific animations, and left-footed skill moves are now made possible with these advancements. Now more than ever, football matches look and feel more like they do in real life. 

More detailed and more authentic animations lead to more depth and control in the game itself.  For example, Power Shots are a new skill-based risk-reward mechanic that unlocks yet another layer of strategy. To use them, you must carve out the perfect space and aim precisely, pressing L1 and R1, then shoot to activate. If performed correctly, you can score goals with more power and accuracy. However, the longer animations and the need for precision introduce a higher risk.

Defensive areas of the game aren’t left out either. You can lie down behind the wall to block low shots. The new motion capture data also allows players to perform clearance slide, physical, and back heel tackles, which aggressively counter offensive abilities, such as added shooting types like chesting, backspins, and downward volleys. There are even more ways to pass, including the always smile-inducing bum bumping. 

EA is aiming for authenticity with FIFA 23, and every piece of the game is building toward that goal. You can experience this true-to-life football title when it releases on PlayStation 4 and 5 on September 30.

Coming to PlayStation 4 and 5 with crossplay 1-v-1 modes between versions, FIFA 23 brings innovations never seen in the world of videogame football, whether you’re on a pitch or behind the scenes making various decisions in career mode. This FIFA is stepping it up and showcasing EA’s growth with the series, featuring upgraded physics, graphics, and for the first time, women’s club football integration, including a playable women’s FIFA World Cup. These additions are proof of why EA is calling FIFA 23 “The World’s Game.”

Authentic football controlled by you

One of the main focuses of FIFA 23 is to mold it into the most authentic entry in the series ever. To do this, EA has advanced its HyperMotion 2 motion capture system to make players seem more lifelike than before. The captured data with this system brings over 6,000 realistic animations from real match captures to the game. Players now run, kick, and block with such true-to-life movements that it may even make you forget you’re playing a football videogame.

EA presented several features made possible thanks to this innovative technology. FIFA 23 features augmented reality broadcast replays, making plays more immersive. The environments have also received upgrades, including Hyper-realistic pitch surfaces and an enhanced stadium atmosphere complete with the most audience chants and animations in the series.

The world isn’t the only enhanced piece of FIFA 23. Players and the actual sport have been upgraded as well, with more realistic physics present across every part of the game. One example directly showcasing the power of HyperMotion 2’s features is the female players and their new authentic movements, which were impossible without the new motion capture technology.

With 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100 stadiums, and 30+ leagues in FIFA 23, you’ll be enjoying this new authenticity for hours on end.

Even more player control

Another goal is to ensure that FIFA 23’s gameplay allows for even more player input. The new mechanics strive to give total control over how you pass, score, and move. Among these additions are a new skill-based risk-reward shooting mechanic, more intuitive free kicks, and penalties and corner shots. Thanks to a more realistic physics engine, these additions introduce yet another layer of depth to the game and give greater control of the action.

A world of game modes

So, where can you enjoy all these advancements to the FIFA formula? FIFA 23 has plenty of modes where you can put all the visual and mechanical upgrades to the test. One of those modes is FUT Moments, where you can create your own squad full of new ICONS, FUT Heroes, and anyone else you can think of with a revamped Chemistry System. This refreshed take on a classic mode introduces even more freedom and creativity in an already freeform title.

You can also make your place in history by competing in the FIFA World Cup right from the comfort of your own home. The men’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia and New Zealand 2023 are all here for you to experience as they happen.

The newly added Training Centre is perfect for players new to the FIFA series. It includes challenges and chapters aplenty, each tailor-made to teach less experienced players the fundamentals of gameplay and help them improve.

Pro Clubs, Volta Football, and Career Mode introduce more ways to engage with FIFA 23. In Pro Club mode, you can bring your own style to the game with new customization, Drop In enhancements, and new perks. Volta Football adds more style points to the game by allowing you to join friends and the rest of the community to show off your Avatar in upgraded Volta arcades. Career Mode lets you create a personal player, manage some of the largest names in the history of the sport, and play through an entire season. It also brings new playable highlights to the FIFA series for the first time.

And finally, whether you’re on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, you can compete against friends on the same platform generation in 1v1 modes via crossplay. These different versus styles span across FIFA Ultimate Team, Online Seasons, Online Friendlies, and more.

With so many new improvements and reasons to play, FIFA 23 truly feels like the “World’s Game.”  Whether you’re a longtime fan or a series newcomer, you can enjoy FIFA 23 on PlayStation 4 and 5 when it releases later this year. More will be shared on it and its new additions in the near future.