Does EA Own FIFA Anymore? The End of an Era Explained
No, EA (Electronic Arts) does not own FIFA anymore. The long-standing partnership between EA Sports and FIFA officially ended in May 2022, culminating in FIFA 23 being the last game bearing the FIFA name produced by EA. Moving forward, EA’s football game franchise is now known as EA Sports FC. This separation marks a significant shift in the landscape of football gaming, impacting both the companies and the millions of fans worldwide.
The Divorce: Why EA and FIFA Parted Ways
The split wasn’t amicable; rather, it stemmed from financial disagreements and differing visions for the future of the game. Let’s delve deeper into the key factors that led to this monumental change.
Money Talks: The Licensing Fee Dispute
The primary catalyst for the separation was undoubtedly money. FIFA reportedly sought to more than double its licensing fee from EA, demanding a staggering $1 billion every four years. Considering that EA was reportedly paying $150 million annually under the existing agreement, this proposed increase was substantial. EA executives, including CEO Andrew Wilson, questioned whether the “four letters on the front of the box” were worth such a premium.
Beyond the Name: Control and Innovation
Beyond the financial aspect, EA also felt constrained by FIFA’s limitations on the game’s development. FIFA allegedly wanted to restrict EA’s rights to solely a soccer simulation, limiting their ability to explore new game modes, features, and technologies like NFTs and other blockchain integrations. EA, seeking greater control and creative freedom over its flagship title, ultimately decided to forgo the FIFA license.
FIFA’s Ambitions: A New Player Enters the Field
In response to EA’s decision, FIFA announced its intentions to develop and release its own football video game. This move signaled FIFA’s ambition to directly compete with EA in the gaming market, potentially disrupting the established order. While details about FIFA’s game are still emerging, the prospect of a new contender adds an element of intrigue to the future of football gaming.
What’s in a Name? EA Sports FC Takes the Field
With the FIFA license relinquished, EA rebranded its football game franchise as EA Sports FC. While the name has changed, EA retains the rights to numerous player, league, and stadium licenses, ensuring that the core gameplay experience remains largely intact. The shift signifies EA’s determination to build its own brand identity in the football gaming sphere, independent of FIFA’s control.
The Future of Football Gaming
The split between EA and FIFA marks a new chapter in the history of football gaming. EA Sports FC faces the challenge of establishing itself as the premier football game under a new identity, while FIFA seeks to carve its own niche in the market. The competition between these entities could ultimately benefit gamers, driving innovation and offering more diverse gaming experiences. To further explore the intersection of gaming and learning, check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is FIFA 23 still available?
No, EA Sports delisted FIFA 23 and older FIFA games from digital stores in September 2023, just before the full release of EA Sports FC 24. This means you can no longer purchase FIFA 23 digitally. However, physical copies might still be available from retailers, although in dwindling supply.
2. Will there be a FIFA 24 game?
Yes, but it’s not made by EA. FIFA is planning to release its own football video game under the FIFA banner. Details about the game are still emerging, but it will be a separate entity from EA Sports FC.
3. What is EA Sports FC?
EA Sports FC is the new name for EA’s football video game franchise, formerly known as FIFA. It represents the next iteration of EA’s football gaming experience, building upon the foundations of previous FIFA titles but under a new brand identity.
4. Does EA Sports FC have the same licenses as FIFA?
Yes, EA Sports FC retains most of the important licenses that were present in FIFA games. This includes access to thousands of players, hundreds of leagues, and numerous stadiums. EA has partnerships with organizations like the Premier League, La Liga, and the Bundesliga, ensuring authenticity in the game.
5. Why did EA and FIFA split up?
The split was primarily driven by financial disagreements. FIFA sought to significantly increase the licensing fee it charged EA for using the FIFA name. EA considered the increase too high and questioned the value it received for the license. Differing visions for the future of the game also played a role.
6. How much did EA pay FIFA for the license previously?
EA reportedly paid FIFA around $150 million annually for the rights to use the FIFA name.
7. How much was FIFA asking for in the new agreement?
FIFA was reportedly seeking around $1 billion every four years (or $250 million annually) in the new licensing agreement.
8. What is FIFA’s plan for its own game?
FIFA has announced its plans to develop and release its own football video game. The details of the game, including its release date, gameplay features, and development team, are still being revealed.
9. Will EA Sports FC be different from FIFA games?
While the name has changed, EA Sports FC will likely retain many of the core gameplay elements and modes that were popular in FIFA games. However, EA will have more freedom to innovate and introduce new features without the restrictions imposed by the FIFA license.
10. Will EA Sports FC still have Ultimate Team?
Yes, EA Sports FC retains the popular Ultimate Team mode, which allows players to build and manage their own teams using virtual cards.
11. What platforms is EA Sports FC available on?
EA Sports FC 24 is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.
12. Is EA losing money by not having the FIFA license?
It’s difficult to say definitively whether EA is losing money. While the FIFA name had significant brand recognition, EA also faced high licensing costs. By rebranding as EA Sports FC, EA has the potential to build its own brand identity and avoid paying exorbitant licensing fees.
13. What does UEFA stand for?
UEFA stands for Union of European Football Associations. It’s the governing body of European football.
14. What other sports franchises does EA own?
EA Sports has a portfolio of popular sports franchises, including Madden NFL football, NHL® hockey, NBA LIVE basketball, NCAA® Football, Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® golf and UFC.
15. Why is the World Cup only every four years?
The World Cup happens every four years to allow enough time for national teams to participate in qualification tournaments and playoffs. Additionally, four years provide the host country sufficient time to plan the event’s logistics and accommodate the influx of fans.