Why is FIFA 23 ending?

FIFA 23 is ending due to the loss of the FIFA license, which resulted from a breakdown in negotiations between EA Sports and FIFA over the licensing fee, with FIFA demanding double its previous fee of $150 million. The end of the FIFA series under the FIFA name marks a significant shift in the world of football video games, as EA Sports will continue to produce football games under a new name, EA Sports FC.

Introduction to the End of an Era

Background on FIFA and EA Sports

The FIFA series has been a cornerstone of football gaming for nearly three decades, with EA Sports at the helm of its development and publication. However, the relationship between EA Sports and FIFA has been under strain, particularly concerning the licensing agreement that allowed EA Sports to use the FIFA name and other associated intellectual properties.

The Licensing Dispute

At the heart of the dispute is the licensing fee that EA Sports pays to FIFA for the use of its name and other rights. FIFA demanded an increase in this fee, seeking double the $150 million it previously received. This significant hike was met with resistance from EA Sports, which questioned the value it received for this expenditure.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

1. Is FIFA stopping after FIFA 23? Yes, FIFA 23 will be the last game in the series under the FIFA name due to the end of the licensing agreement between EA Sports and FIFA.
2. What happened to FIFA 2023? FIFA 23 and previous versions can still be accessed through certain services, but there won’t be a FIFA 2023 due to the licensing issues.
3. Why is FIFA coming to an end? The primary reason is the disagreement over the licensing fee, with FIFA seeking a substantial increase that EA Sports was not willing to pay.

About EA Sports FC

4. What is replacing FIFA 23? EA Sports FC 24 is the successor, marking the beginning of a new era in football gaming without the FIFA name.
5. Will there be a FIFA 24? No, due to the loss of the FIFA license, the next game will be EA Sports FC 24.
6. Is FC 24 better than FIFA 23? Opinions vary, but essentially, EA Sports FC 24 builds upon the foundation of FIFA 23 with minor tweaks to gameplay.

Licensing and Business

7. Is EA done with FIFA? Yes, EA Sports has officially parted ways with FIFA after failing to reach an agreement on the licensing fee.
8. Is FIFA 23 scripted? There’s no evidence to suggest that FIFA 23 is scripted; inconsistencies in gameplay can lead to perceptions of scripting.
9. Why is there no FIFA next year? The end of the licensing agreement means EA Sports cannot use the FIFA name, leading to the creation of EA Sports FC.

Gameplay and Features

10. Can I play FIFA 23 in 2024? Yes, FIFA 23 can still be played, especially in offline modes, without any time limitations.
11. Is FIFA 23 the last installment? Yes, it’s the final game under the FIFA banner due to the licensing dispute.
12. Is FIFA 23 Career Mode any good? FIFA 23‘s Career Mode has seen improvements and is considered one of the best in recent years.

Future of Football Gaming

13. Will EA keep making football games? Yes, EA Sports will continue to develop football games under the EA Sports FC brand.
14. What will replace FIFA? EA Sports FC 24 and subsequent titles will replace the FIFA series, offering a similar gaming experience without the FIFA name.
15. Will FC 24 have real players? Yes, EA Sports FC 24 will retain the rights to use real clubs and players, ensuring a high-quality and realistic gaming experience.

Conclusion

The end of the FIFA series under the FIFA name marks a significant chapter in the history of football gaming. As EA Sports moves forward with EA Sports FC, fans can expect a continuation of high-quality football games, albeit under a new brand. The dispute over the licensing fee has led to a new era, where EA Sports will have to navigate the market without the FIFA branding, potentially leading to innovations and changes in how football games are developed and marketed.