Will FIFA 21 Have Juventus? Understanding the “Piemonte Calcio” Situation
The short answer is no, FIFA 21 does not feature Juventus under their official name, branding, or kit. Instead, due to an exclusive licensing agreement between Juventus and Konami for their eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer (now simply eFootball) series, the team is represented in FIFA 21 by a placeholder team named Piemonte Calcio. This article dives into the reasons behind this, the implications for FIFA players, and explores related issues surrounding team licensing in the FIFA franchise.
The Juventus-Konami Deal: A Game Changer
The absence of Juventus in their fully authentic form in FIFA 21 (and subsequent FIFA titles until recently) stems from a significant deal struck between the Italian football club and Konami. This agreement, which began in FIFA 20, granted Konami exclusive rights to use the Juventus name, logo, kits, and stadium (the Allianz Stadium) within their eFootball PES games.
This type of exclusive licensing is common in the video game industry, particularly in sports games. Companies like EA Sports and Konami compete fiercely to secure these deals, which can significantly influence a game’s appeal to fans. In this case, Konami’s acquisition of Juventus’s exclusive rights meant that EA Sports was legally barred from using the official Juventus branding in FIFA 21.
What is “Piemonte Calcio?”
To circumvent the licensing restrictions, EA Sports created the team “Piemonte Calcio” to represent Juventus in FIFA 21. This name is a reference to the Piedmont region of Italy, where Juventus is based. While the team name, kit, and badge are generic, Piemonte Calcio still features the real-world players who play for Juventus, with their authentic names and faces. This allows players to still compete with and against the Juventus roster in FIFA 21, albeit under a different guise.
The Impact on FIFA Players
The absence of the official Juventus branding in FIFA 21 was undoubtedly disappointing for many fans. The appeal of FIFA lies in its authenticity and the ability to play with real-world teams and players. While EA Sports did their best to mitigate the impact by including the actual Juventus players in the Piemonte Calcio team, the lack of the official branding still detracted from the overall experience for some.
However, it is important to note that this situation highlights the complexities and behind-the-scenes negotiations that shape the gaming experience. Licensing agreements are a crucial aspect of sports game development, and these arrangements can directly impact which teams and leagues are available in a game. Understanding these factors provides a broader perspective on the creation and evolution of sports gaming franchises.
Return of Juventus to EA Sports FC
After the initial exclusive deal between Konami and Juventus expired, EA Sports has announced that Juventus will return to EA Sports FC. This return ensures that fans will once again be able to play with the official Juventus branding, kits, and stadium in the latest iteration of the game.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Juventus in FIFA
Here are some frequently asked questions that provide additional valuable information for the readers.
1. Why was Juventus removed from FIFA in the first place?
Juventus was removed from FIFA due to an exclusive licensing deal with Konami, the makers of eFootball Pro Evolution Soccer (now simply eFootball). This deal granted Konami the sole rights to use the Juventus name, logo, kits, and stadium.
2. What is Piemonte Calcio?
Piemonte Calcio is the name used by EA Sports in FIFA 21 (and previous versions) to represent Juventus. It’s a generic team with a different name, badge, and kit, but features the real-world players who play for Juventus.
3. Does Piemonte Calcio have the real Juventus players?
Yes, Piemonte Calcio features the authentic players who play for Juventus, with their real names and faces. Only the team name, badge, and kit are generic.
4. How can I find Piemonte Calcio in FIFA 21?
Piemonte Calcio can be found in the Serie A league within FIFA 21.
5. Are there any other teams missing from FIFA 21 due to licensing issues?
Yes, several other teams were missing their official branding in FIFA 21, including Roma (Roma FC), River Plate (Nuñez), Boca Juniors (Buenos Aires), and Corinthians (Oceânico FC), due to similar exclusive licensing agreements with other game developers.
6. Will Juventus ever return to FIFA?
Yes, EA Sports has announced a multi-year partnership with Juventus, which will welcome the Italian club back to EA Sports FC.
7. Why do these licensing deals happen?
These deals happen because game developers compete to secure the rights to use real-world teams, leagues, and players in their games. Exclusive deals can give a game a competitive edge and attract fans.
8. Does this affect FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT)?
Yes, in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT), you could obtain players from Piemonte Calcio (representing Juventus players).
9. What happens to Juventus career mode in FIFA 21?
In FIFA 21‘s Career Mode, you can still manage Piemonte Calcio, with the real Juventus players. However, the team name, kit, and badge are generic.
10. Are the stadiums for these unlicensed teams also generic?
In the case of Juventus, yes. The Allianz Stadium was not featured in FIFA 21 because of Konami’s exclusive rights to it. Piemonte Calcio plays in a generic stadium.
11. How do exclusive licenses affect the gaming industry?
Exclusive licenses can significantly impact the gaming industry by influencing which games feature certain teams, leagues, or players. This competition can drive innovation but also limit player choice in some cases.
12. Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and education?
You can explore the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ to find valuable information about the intersection of games and education. The Games Learning Society promotes the use of games for learning and development.
13. Will Juventus be in the next FIFA game?
Yes, with the rebranding of FIFA to EA Sports FC, Juventus has returned to the game with their official branding, kits, and stadium.
14. What other teams have been affected by licensing issues in FIFA?
Several other teams have been affected by licensing issues in FIFA over the years, often resulting in generic names and kits. Examples include Roma, Napoli, and some South American clubs.
15. How are these licensing agreements negotiated?
Licensing agreements are typically negotiated between game developers (like EA Sports and Konami) and the clubs or leagues themselves. These negotiations involve significant sums of money and can be influenced by various factors, including the popularity of the team or league and the developer’s budget.
The world of video game licensing is complex, but understanding it allows fans to appreciate the factors that shape their gaming experiences. While the Piemonte Calcio situation was a temporary inconvenience for FIFA players, it ultimately highlighted the importance of these behind-the-scenes deals and the ongoing competition between game developers. The return of Juventus to EA Sports FC is a welcome development for fans, restoring the authenticity and immersion that makes the FIFA franchise so popular.