FIFA Ends Exclusive EA Partnership After Nearly 30 Years Of Collaboration
Image via EA
In a shock to the gaming industry, the creators of popular soccer video game FIFA announced it would be ending its long-term contract with Electronic Arts (EA). The pair had first teamed up way back in 1993, and would have collaborated for nearly three decades.
“FIFA is engaging with various industry players, including developers, investors, and analysts, to build out a long-term view of gaming, eSports, and interactive entertainment sector. The outcome will ensure that FIFA has a range of suitable parties with specialist capabilities to actively shape the best possible experiences and offerings for fans and consumers,” it said in a statement.
According to Front Office Sports, it appears the governing body is now seeking US$150 million as the game’s annual licensing fee. While that might seem like a rather hefty sum, the franchise is estimated to be worth more than US$2 billion annually. This year’s edition, FIFA 21, boasts over 31 million active players, while the brand-new FIFA 22 has already racked up 9.1 million participants.
While there currently doesn’t appear to be a frontrunner to take over EA, it’s certainly been disappointing for fans to see the partnership behind the game split up. However, if the new developers can provide more excitement and interaction to the storied title, there’s no doubt fans will get on board for the next release.
[via Front Office Sports, cover image via EA]
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