What has been presented in numerous reports compared to last year has finally become a reality. Electronic Arts confirmed that FIFAthe most popular sports video game in the world, will change its name to EA SPORT FC. That is, they will not renew their agreement with football’s governing body. A significant change, perhaps the most important in the history of the franchise. will come into force next yearso launch FIFA 23 still being considered.
“After nearly 30 years of creating genre-defining interactive football games, we will soon be ushering in an exciting new era. Next year EA SPORT FC will be the future of EA SPORTS football. Together with our over 300 licensed partners across the sport, we are ready to take the global football experience to the next levelon behalf of all football fans around the world,” the company said in a statement.
According to Electronic Arts, EA SPORT FC will support the gaming experience and content it already offers FIFA now.
“Whatever you love about our games will be part of EA SPORT FC– There will be the same experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes. Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football will be there. Our unique licensing portfolio of 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues that we have invested in for decades will only last EA SPORT FC. This includes exclusive partnerships with the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS and more.”
More than a name change
However, the fact that they are no longer affiliated with the International Federation of Football Associations, it opens the door to create, for example, new game modes what was previously impossible. In fact, this is one of the reasons why EA chose not to renew the agreement with the aforementioned body.
The company itself explains: “This new independent platform will provide new opportunities for innovation, creativity and development. much more than just a name change: As EA SPORTS, we are committed to making EA SPORTS FC a symbol of change.”
Before such an important change, of course, EA will end the last year of its agreement with FIFA. So, launch planned FIFA 23 along with content related to the Qatar 2022 World Cup. Once completed, the company under Andrew Wilson will have complete freedom to do whatever they want with their franchise.
“We strive to ensure that the next FIFA Be the best of the lot with more features, game modes, World Cup content, clubs, leagues, competitions and players than any previous FIFA game.”
Just last February, the aforementioned director said that in a year without a World Cup, the only thing they get from FIFA is “the four letters that appear on the front of the box; in a world where most people don’t even see the box anymore because you buy the game digitally.” It was from this statement that the industry expected a break with the organization. Except, FIFA allegedly requested $2.5 billion for a 10-year license renewal; that is, doubling the previous agreement. Of course, this number seemed ridiculous to the upper echelons of Electronic Arts, who eventually decided to go their own way and keep their portfolio closed.
Source: Hiper Textual