FIFA Video Games To Change Name As Licensing Deal Comes To A Close

Following nearly 30 years of creating digital soccer experiences, game developer Electronic Arts and global sporting body FIFA have announced they will no longer be working together from 2023.

EA revealed the news to over 150 million fans who play the game worldwide in a blog post, saying that its new game with a new name, EA Sports FC, will “take global football experiences to new heights.” 

Fans of the game can breathe a sigh of relief, as the company promised the same modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs, and athletes will be available on the game even after the split. 

“Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums, and 30 leagues that we’ve continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA Sports FC,” Group GM Cam Weber pledged.

Additionally, the firm feels that as an independent platform, it will now have fresh opportunities to “innovate, create, and evolve,” finding new ways to reinvest in the sport, work with new partners, and most importantly, “bring joy, inclusivity, and immersion to a global community of fans.” 

“We are excited to continue and expand our long partnership with EA Sports as we serve athletes at the intersection of sport, gaming, and culture,” said DJ van Hameren, CMO of Nike. 

“Our partnership with EA Sports FC will authentically grow the ways our communities can play and engage with sport,” he added. 

[via Protocol and Electronic Arts, cover image via Electronic Arts]