Does EA Still Own FIFA?
As of May 2022, Electronic Arts (EA) and FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, have ended their 30-year partnership. This shocking news has left many FIFA fans wondering what this means for the future of EA’s popular soccer simulation video game franchise. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of EA’s decision to part ways with FIFA and what it means for the future of the iconic game.
What led to the breakup?
The primary reason for EA’s decision to end their partnership with FIFA was financial. FIFA had been asking for a significant increase in the licensing fee, with reports suggesting that they were looking for at least $1 billion per year. EA, however, was unwilling to agree to these terms, reportedly citing that the cost of the license was no longer justified.
What happened to the FIFA brand?
With EA no longer owning the FIFA brand, the company has decided to rebrand their soccer game franchise under the name EA Sports FC. This decision was announced on the same day that EA and FIFA parted ways, and fans can expect to see a new logo and branding for the game.
EA’s plans for the future
EA has announced that they will continue to release soccer games under the new EA Sports FC brand. The company has stated that they will retain the licenses to players, teams, stadiums, and leagues, ensuring that fans will still be able to play with their favorite teams and players.
FIFA’s plans for the future
FIFA, on the other hand, has announced that they will be releasing their own soccer game. The company has stated that they will be working with other developers to create a new game that will offer a similar experience to EA’s FIFA games.
What does this mean for fans?
For fans of the FIFA series, this news may come as a shock. However, EA has assured fans that the new EA Sports FC game will offer a similar experience to the FIFA games they are used to. The company has also promised to continue to update and improve the game, with new features and gameplay modes.
Comparison of FIFA and EA Sports FC games
Here is a table comparing the key features of FIFA and EA Sports FC games:
| Feature | FIFA | EA Sports FC |
|---|---|---|
| Licensed teams and players | Yes | Yes |
| Stadiums and leagues | Yes | Yes |
| Gameplay modes | Various | Various |
| Price | Varies | Varies |
Conclusion
EA’s decision to part ways with FIFA has sent shockwaves through the gaming industry. However, the company has assured fans that their soccer game franchise will continue to thrive under the new EA Sports FC brand. With FIFA announcing their plans to release their own soccer game, it will be interesting to see how this new competition affects the soccer gaming landscape.