FIFA 14, the latest installment in the popular video game franchise by EA Sports, has been taking over the Ames High School not only with its addictive nature, but its always-available services. FIFA is not only a popular series within the high school but globally, as they have amassed over 10 million copies sold worldwide.

The very popular Ultimate Team mode is one where people can make their own soccer team with players and items they’ve received in card packs, which can be bought with in-game currency or real money. These players can be sold then in an auction on the market, with millions of trades happening a day.

“The FIFA market, in a sense, is just a microcosm of the worldwide stock market.  It’s fueled by constant inflections of supply and demand, giving a smart investor a chance to maximize ROI (return on investment) if he plays his cards right.” says Chris Halbur, a self-proclaimed FIFA economist.

Just like most things, the best players in the game are also the most valuable. You can either make in-game by playing games or buying players low and selling high and then buying him off the market, or you can try your chances and get him in a pack. Sophomore Matt Boylan has experienced triumphant times opening packs. “I’ve had the good fortune of receiving the the young and up-and-coming Neymar, as well as Aguero.”

Junior Brady Flattery has also had great luck with his packs. “I got Lionel Messi, who is one of the most rare players in the game.” he says. And he’s not kidding. It’s at least a 1 out of 200,000 chance of getting him in a pack.

But FIFA isn’t all good luck. “FIFA is a gambling addiction” Boylan says.  “You think to yourself that there’s always a chance for a quality player, but usually you have to realize that you’re just wasting money.” FIFA is dangerous in a way that it can take both your money and your time, if you’re not careful. The two sides of FIFA, the trading side as well as the playing side, make it become a deadly combination of both fun and frustration, always having you want to play one more game, make one more team, and buy one more pack.