The study of Ultimate Team's Economy vs. Tarkov's Market reveals how video games integrate economic systems to support their core experiences. In FIFA, Ultimate Team is designed as a loop of acquisition and competition. Players buy packs, trade on the market, and assemble squads to climb the rankings. The developer intervenes frequently, adjusting card availability and maintaining balance to prevent instability.
In contrast, Tarkov's market operates like an experimental economy. Barter trade, item scarcity, and dynamic player-driven pricing result in an ever-changing system. Every bullet or tool has tangible value, and fluctuations reflect genuine supply and demand. This approach demands strategic thinking, where players must decide when to sell, stockpile, or risk using resources.
Comparing Ultimate Team's Economy vs. Tarkov's Market https://www.fifa-infinity.com/ea-sports-fc/ultimate-teams-economy-vs-tarkovs-market-two-very-different-digital-trading-systems/ (https://www.fifa-infinity.com/ea-sports-fc/ultimate-teams-economy-vs-tarkovs-market-two-very-different-digital-trading-systems/) shows the difference between regulation and free-market dynamics. FIFA offers a predictable path for progression, while Tarkov provides immersion through uncertainty. Both models succeed because they align with the goals of their respective games.