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The Future of FIFA Games: Who Will Carry the Torch After EA?

The departure of EA Sports from the FIFA franchise marks the end of an era in sports gaming. But, while EA Sports forges ahead with EA Sports FC, the question looms: who will take over the FIFA game franchise? The short answer is simple: FIFA itself. The organization has declared its intention to continue producing FIFA-branded games, meaning they are actively looking for a new development partner to carry the torch forward. This new partnership will shape the future of FIFA-branded games, offering a fresh perspective and potentially challenging the dominance of EA Sports FC.

The End of an Era: EA’s Departure and FIFA’s Ambitions

Why the Split?

The breakdown in the partnership between EA Sports and FIFA came about because of disagreements over licensing fees and control. As EA CEO Andrew Wilson famously said, the value EA received from FIFA was primarily “the four letters on the front of the box,” especially in non-World Cup years. FIFA, on the other hand, sought to more than double its annual payment of $150 million, a figure EA deemed unsustainable.

FIFA’s Plans for the Future

FIFA isn’t exiting the gaming arena. President Gianni Infantino has publicly stated FIFA’s commitment to producing the “real game” and ensuring that FIFA-branded games remain a part of the gaming landscape. This means actively seeking a new partner to develop and publish FIFA games. It’s a bold move, signaling their intent to compete directly with EA Sports FC. This is further supported by reports claiming that FIFA is seeking a partnership with a studio to produce a direct competitor to EA Sports FC 24.

Potential Partners: Who Could Develop the Next FIFA Game?

Identifying a successor to EA Sports is no easy task. Developing a high-quality football game requires significant resources, experience, and expertise. Here are some potential candidates:

Konami: Creators of eFootball (formerly PES), Konami is the most obvious contender. They have a long history in the football gaming genre and the infrastructure to compete. However, eFootball’s initial struggles and shift to a free-to-play model might raise concerns.
2K Games: Known for their stellar sports games like NBA 2K and WWE 2K, 2K Games has the resources, expertise, and brand recognition to create a compelling FIFA game. Their focus on realism and franchise mode depth could offer a unique alternative to EA Sports FC.
UFL (Strikerz Inc.): While a newer player, UFL aims to disrupt the football gaming market with its free-to-play model and focus on skill-based gameplay. Partnering with FIFA could provide them with the licensing and brand recognition they need to compete with established franchises.
Other Independent Studios: Several other independent studios specialize in sports games or have demonstrated the potential to develop a high-quality football game. Partnering with one of these studios could allow FIFA to take a more hands-on approach to development and create a game that aligns perfectly with their vision.

The next game will look much different from the EA Sports version. Educational games can still be a possibility and explored with organizations like the Games Learning Society to give children the opportunity to learn through playing these types of games. Check them out at GamesLearningSociety.org.

What Will the New FIFA Game Look Like?

The future FIFA game will likely differ significantly from EA’s version. FIFA has an opportunity to reimagine the franchise, potentially focusing on:

Gameplay Innovation: Introducing new gameplay mechanics, focusing on realism, and catering to different player preferences.
New Game Modes: Exploring new and innovative game modes beyond the traditional career mode and online multiplayer.
Licensing and Authenticity: Securing comprehensive licensing agreements to ensure authentic teams, players, and leagues.
Mobile Gaming: Developing a robust mobile gaming experience to reach a wider audience.
Esports Integration: Building a thriving esports ecosystem to support competitive play and community engagement.

The Challenges Ahead

Developing a successful FIFA game without EA Sports is not without its challenges:

Brand Recognition: EA Sports has built a strong brand association with the FIFA franchise over the past three decades. FIFA will need to work hard to re-establish the brand and differentiate its new game from EA Sports FC.
Development Time and Resources: Developing a high-quality football game takes time, resources, and expertise. FIFA will need to find a partner with the necessary capabilities to deliver a competitive product.
Competition: EA Sports FC will be a formidable competitor. FIFA will need to offer a compelling alternative to attract players.
Licensing: Securing comprehensive licensing agreements can be expensive and time-consuming. FIFA will need to negotiate favorable terms with leagues, teams, and players.

FAQs: Your Questions About the Future of FIFA Games Answered

1. Will there be a FIFA 24 game?

No, there won’t be a FIFA 24 developed by EA Sports. EA Sports is moving forward with EA Sports FC. However, FIFA is expected to release its own FIFA-branded game in the future, possibly named FIFA 25 or something similar.

2. Who owns the FIFA game now?

FIFA, the organization, owns the FIFA brand and is seeking a new partner to develop and publish FIFA-branded games. EA Sports no longer has the rights to use the FIFA name.

3. Will EA Sports FC have real teams and players?

Yes, EA Sports FC will feature real teams, players, leagues, and stadiums. EA Sports has secured licensing agreements with numerous leagues and organizations, ensuring authenticity in their game.

4. What will the new FIFA game be like?

The new FIFA game remains to be seen, as FIFA hasn’t yet announced a development partner. However, it is expected to offer a unique alternative to EA Sports FC, potentially focusing on gameplay innovation, new game modes, and a fresh perspective on the football gaming experience.

5. Why did EA and FIFA split?

EA Sports and FIFA split due to disagreements over licensing fees and control. EA felt they were paying too much for the FIFA license, while FIFA wanted a larger share of the profits and more control over the game.

6. Will EA still make football games?

Yes, EA Sports will continue to make football games under the new name EA Sports FC.

7. How much was EA paying FIFA?

EA Sports was reportedly paying FIFA $150 million per year.

8. When will the new FIFA game be released?

The release date of the new FIFA game is currently unknown. It will depend on when FIFA finds a development partner and the development timeline for the game.

9. Will the new FIFA game be on all platforms?

The platforms for the new FIFA game will depend on the development partner and their target audience. It is likely to be released on major consoles, PC, and mobile devices.

10. Will the new FIFA game be free to play?

It is unknown whether the new FIFA game will be free-to-play. The business model will depend on FIFA and its development partner’s strategy.

11. Who is the most likely candidate to develop the new FIFA game?

Konami is often cited as the most likely candidate, given their experience in the football gaming genre. However, other studios like 2K Games and UFL are also potential contenders.

12. Will the new FIFA game be better than EA Sports FC?

Whether the new FIFA game will be “better” than EA Sports FC is subjective and depends on individual player preferences. It will likely offer a different gameplay experience and feature set, catering to a different audience.

13. What will happen to FIFA esports?

FIFA esports will likely continue under a new format and with a new game. FIFA is committed to building a thriving esports ecosystem around its new game.

14. Will the new FIFA game have Ultimate Team?

It is uncertain whether the new FIFA game will have a mode similar to Ultimate Team. This will depend on FIFA and its development partner’s strategy.

15. How will FIFA compete with EA Sports FC?

FIFA will need to differentiate its new game from EA Sports FC by offering a unique gameplay experience, innovative game modes, and a fresh perspective on the football gaming genre. Securing comprehensive licensing agreements and building a strong community will also be crucial.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for Football Gaming

The departure of EA Sports from the FIFA franchise marks the beginning of a new chapter for football gaming. While EA Sports FC will undoubtedly be a major player in the market, FIFA’s commitment to producing its own game ensures that players will have choices. The competition between EA Sports FC and the new FIFA game could drive innovation and ultimately benefit players. The coming years will be exciting as we witness the evolution of football gaming and the emergence of new contenders for the crown.

Who will take over FIFA from EA?