Meet EA Sports FC.
EA's massively and enduringly popular football/soccer series, EA Sports FIFA, is changing its name. That being said, the franchise will be called EA Sports FC, which has been brewing for some time as part of a rights negotiation process with FIFA.
The first new game, named EA Sports FC, will be released in 2023.
In a statement, EA told fans that "everything you love" about the FIFA franchise will be part of EA Sports FC. This includes “experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes” as well as Ultimate Team, career mode, Pro Clubs and Volta. EA loses the FIFA name but retains its license for over 19.000 players, over 700 teams, over 100 stadiums and 30 leagues.
Some of the partner leagues include the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS and more to be announced later.
“This new standalone platform will bring new opportunities to innovate, create and thrive,” said EA's Cam Weber. “This is more than just a symbol change – at EA Sports we are committed to ensuring EA Sports FC is the symbol of change. We are committed to meaningfully reinvesting in sport and are excited to work with it. with a large and growing number of partners to expand into new authentic experiences that bring joy, inclusiveness and immersion to the global fan community. I look forward to sharing more details about these plans in the coming months.”
This year's game will still be called FIFA 23, as EA's deal will remain valid for now, and Weber said this year's game will be "the most comprehensive" ever. “With more features, game modes, World Cup content, clubs, leagues, competitions and players than any FIFA title before, we are committed to ensuring that the next FIFA is the best ever,” said Weber.
More information on the first EA Sports FC title will be announced in Summer 2023.
In response, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed for the first time that FIFA is working with a number of third-party studios and publishers to provide "more options" beyond being compatible with a single company, EA, as it has done in the past. . FIFA said that multiple non-simulation FIFA games are currently in development and will be released in the third quarter of 2022.
“I can assure you that the only authentic, real game with the Fifa name will be the best game available for players and football fans. The name FIFA is the only global, original game. FIFA 23, FIFA 24, FIFA 25 and FIFA 26 and so on – it is the fixed name FIFA and it will stay forever as the BEST.” said Infantino. “The interactive gaming and esports industry is on an unrivaled path of growth and diversification. FIFA's strategy is to ensure that we can make the most of all future options and provide a wide range of products and opportunities for players, fans, affiliates and partners. “
According to the news of the New York Times, FIFA was demanding 1 billion dollars from EA to use the FIFA name in its games; this would have to pay off every four years to maintain their relationship. EA certainly didn't need the FIFA name because beyond FIFA it already has over 17.000 player names and likenesses and hundreds of separate licenses that give access to many leagues in the sport.
