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Unpacking the Numbers: How Many Copies of FIFA 22 Were Sold?

FIFA 22, the installment released in 2021, achieved impressive sales figures. While precise lifetime sales figures are not publicly available, EA reported that over 9 million copies of FIFA 22 had been sold worldwide as of December 2021, a few months after its initial launch. Considering the game’s continued popularity and availability across multiple platforms, the final sales number is undoubtedly significantly higher.

FIFA 22’s Digital Dominance

One of the most notable trends highlighted by the release of FIFA 22 was the continued shift towards digital downloads. During the first week after release, a staggering 77% of FIFA 22 sales were digital, marking a substantial increase from the 62% recorded for FIFA 21 the previous year. This trend reflects the growing convenience and accessibility of digital distribution platforms, as well as the diminishing reliance on physical game copies.

Key Factors Contributing to FIFA 22’s Success

Several factors contributed to FIFA 22’s strong sales performance:

Brand Recognition and Loyalty: The FIFA franchise boasts a massive and dedicated fanbase built over decades. This pre-existing loyalty ensures strong initial sales for each new installment.
Improved Gameplay and Features: FIFA 22 introduced Hypermotion Technology on next-generation consoles, promising a more realistic and immersive gameplay experience. This, along with other gameplay tweaks and new features, incentivized both returning and new players to purchase the game.
Ultimate Team Mode: The FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) mode remains a major revenue driver for EA. Its addictive nature and the constant allure of acquiring better players through card packs and the transfer market contribute significantly to the game’s ongoing popularity and sales.
Global Appeal: Football is the world’s most popular sport, and the FIFA franchise reflects that global appeal. The game is localized into numerous languages and sold in countless countries, ensuring a vast potential market.
Marketing and Promotion: EA invests heavily in marketing and promotion to generate hype and awareness around each new FIFA release. These campaigns often feature high-profile football stars and partnerships with major clubs and leagues.

The Bigger Picture: FIFA’s Place in Gaming History

The FIFA franchise has cemented its place as one of the most successful video game franchises of all time. With over 325 million copies sold worldwide as of 2021, the series continues to dominate the sports gaming genre. FIFA 18 currently holds the record for the best-selling title in the series, with an astounding 26.4 million units sold.

The Future of Football Gaming: EA Sports FC

With the end of the partnership between EA and FIFA, the future of football gaming is shifting. EA Sports FC, the rebranded successor to FIFA, faces the challenge of maintaining the franchise’s momentum while establishing its own identity. Whether it can match the sales figures of previous FIFA titles remains to be seen, but the strong foundation and existing fanbase provide a solid starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About FIFA Sales and Popularity

1. Which FIFA game sold the most copies?

FIFA 18 holds the record for the best-selling FIFA game, with 26.4 million units sold.

2. How many copies of FIFA 23 were sold?

FIFA 23 achieved a record-breaking launch, selling over 10 million units in its first week.

3. How many people play FIFA 22 vs FIFA 23?

While numbers fluctuate, the article indicates approximately 8 million monthly active players for FIFA 22 at a certain point, whereas FIFA 23 had approximately 50,000 concurrent players across all platforms about 5 months post-release.

4. Is FIFA more popular than Call of Duty?

In the UK, FIFA has historically outsold Call of Duty in terms of boxed-only sales. However, globally, the competition is fierce and depends on specific years and data sources.

5. Does FIFA sell more than Madden?

FIFA generally sells more copies annually than Madden, largely due to its global appeal compared to Madden’s primarily US-centric market.

6. What is the most sold sports game?

FIFA (EA Sports) is consistently the best-selling sports game.

7. How did FIFA 23 perform in North America?

Sales of FIFA 23 increased by 50% year over year in North America, indicating strong growth in that region.

8. What will FIFA 24 be called?

Due to the end of the partnership with FIFA, the game has been rebranded as EA Sports FC.

9. How many copies did Elden Ring sell?

While not FIFA-related, Elden Ring sold 20 million copies by February 2023.

10. Is FIFA 23 a success?

Yes, FIFA 23 is considered a success, with EA celebrating its record-breaking number of players throughout its launch period.

11. What’s more popular, FIFA 23 or NBA 2K23?

FIFA 23 was the most-downloaded game on the PSN in Europe in September (launch month), while NBA 2K23 was the top game in North America, reflecting the regional popularity of football and basketball, respectively.

12. Is the NFL more profitable than FIFA?

The NFL appears to generate more revenue than FIFA, although FIFA is a non-profit organization and comparisons can be complex.

13. Why is EA selling FIFA?

EA is not selling FIFA, but rather ending its partnership with FIFA due to disagreements over licensing costs. They are continuing their football game under the new name EA Sports FC.

14. How many languages is FIFA available in?

As of 2011, the FIFA franchise has been localized into 18 languages.

15. Why is FIFA 22 considered a good game by many?

FIFA 22 is praised for its improved gameplay, realistic graphics (especially on next-gen consoles), and the engaging Volta Arcade games.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Success

FIFA 22’s sales figures underscore the continued dominance of the FIFA franchise in the sports gaming market. While the future holds a new name and a new direction with EA Sports FC, the legacy of FIFA as a commercial and critical success remains undeniable. Exploring the underlying mechanics and player behavior in these games can be fascinating, and resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offer valuable insights into the educational and social aspects of gaming. The franchise’s ability to consistently attract millions of players year after year speaks to its enduring appeal and its impact on the gaming landscape.

How many FIFA 22 copies sold?