The golden age for virtual football fans is over: the FIFA video game will no longer be released under the joint supervision of the mother house of world soccer and the American publisher EA Sports. Now, the company will take over full control of the serieswhich he had already named EA Sports FC.

“After nearly 30 years of creating genre-defining interactive soccer experiences, we are about to begin an exciting new era.” Cam WeberExecutive Vice President, General Manager of EA SPORTS & Racing Group on the official site of the company.

Starting with the 2023 edition, EA Sports FC will be the future of EA SPORTS virtual football. “With our more than 300 licensing partners across the sport, we are ready to take global soccer experiences to new heights, on behalf of all soccer fans around the world.”

Rumors about the break between EA SPORTS and FIFA were expected in March by video game journalist Jeff Grubb, who confirmed that sources associated with the deal claimed EA had already decided on a fresh start. for its game at EA Sports FC. And he clarified the most important thing: the loss of the FIFA name does not mean that the players are unofficial, it will only affect the name of the game.

“FIFA sees the success of EA’s game and he wants a bigger piece of the pie. But naturally EA doesn’t want to reduce its profit more than it already sees reduction. As a big, global game, it is hell in terms of paying for licenses, negotiations and legal work. And in addition, EA is responsible for that work. FIFA doesn’t come accompanied by real teams or players, “Grubb explained.

“FIFA wants money for the name, and instead EA is preparing to permanently switch partners,” he said at the time.

What will be EA Sports FC?

Although the only confirmation from the publisher is the name of its next soccer video game, nothing is yet known about its content. According to Cam Weber, the same mall, leagues, tournaments, clubs and footballers there are until now will continue. That means there will be Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football.

“Our exclusive portfolio of licenses is over 19,000 players, more than 700 teams, more than 100 stadiums and 30 leagues where we have been constantly investing for decades will still remain there, at EA Sports FC only“Obviously, this also includes exclusive associations with Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS and Conmebol.

When will EA Sports FC arrive?

Despite ending the alliance since the first games in 1993, EA Sports and FIFA still have another partner ahead of them when it comes to naming rights: FIFA 23 will be the final saga coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC consoles. While EA Sports FC will only see the light at the end of 2023.

“We are committed to make sure the next FIFA is the best everwith more features, game modes, World Cup content, clubs, leagues, competitions and players than any previous FIFA title. ”

SL