Why is EA selling FIFA?
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EA is selling FIFA due to licensing issues and a parting of ways with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) after a 30-year partnership, with the main reason being financial disagreements and EA’s dissatisfaction with the partnership, as stated by CEO Andrew Wilson. The split has led to EA rebranding its soccer series as EA Sports FC, with the latest installment being EA Sports FC 24, which marks a new era for the popular football simulation game series.
Background and History
The FIFA video game series has been a staple of the gaming industry for decades, with EA holding the exclusive rights to the FIFA name and licenses. However, the partnership between EA and FIFA came to an end in 2022, with EA deciding to go it alone and create its own football simulation game series.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What is happening to FIFA?: The FIFA game series is being rebranded as EA Sports FC, with EA losing the rights to the FIFA name and licenses.
- Why is EA parting ways with FIFA?: The main reason for the split is financial disagreements, with FIFA reportedly wanting to double the amount of money it received from EA for the licensing rights.
- What is EA Sports FC?: EA Sports FC is the new name for the football simulation game series, which will feature licensed players, teams, leagues, and stadiums.
Game Availability and Purchasing
- Is FIFA 23 still available?: FIFA 23 has been delisted on all storefronts, but it can still be accessed through an EA Play subscription.
- Can I buy FIFA 24?: There will be no FIFA 24, as the game series has been rebranded as EA Sports FC 24.
- How much does EA Sports FC 24 cost?: The price for EA Sports FC 24 has not been officially announced, but it is expected to be a full-priced game.
Licensing and Partnerships
- What licensing issues led to the split?: The main licensing issue was the exclusivity of the FIFA name and licenses, which EA was no longer willing to pay for.
- Did EA pay FIFA?: Yes, EA paid FIFA around $150 million per year for the licensing rights.
- Is EA replacing FIFA with a new partner?: EA has partnered with the English Premier League to become one of the main sponsors, including referee uniforms and the Player of the Month award.
Financial and Business Aspects
- How much money did FIFA want from EA?: FIFA reportedly wanted around $1.2 billion from EA for the licensing rights.
- Is EA losing money due to the split?: EA has not reported any significant losses due to the split, with the company generating over $802 million in net revenue in its 2023 fiscal year.
- How much did FIFA 23 make?: FIFA 23 surpassed the lifetime sales of FIFA 22 in just six months, with EA posting $1.87 billion in net revenue for the quarter.
Game Features and Availability
- Will EA Sports FC 24 have real teams?: Yes, EA Sports FC 24 will feature licensed players, teams, leagues, and stadiums.
- Is EA Sports FC 24 available on PS4?: Yes, EA Sports FC 24 is available on PS4, as well as PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC.
- Will EA Sports FC 24 be free?: No, EA Sports FC 24 will not be a free-to-play game, with the game being fully priced like previous FIFA titles.