EA Sports and FIFA have finally announced their long-rumoured split, with the birth of EA Sports FC being confirmed.
Whilst it may be the end of FIFA as we know it, football's major body has no intention of sidelining the franchise.
With both sides set to go head-to-head in the years to come, we want to take a look at what this split means for the future of football gaming.
EA Sports FC CONFIRMED
Leaks have been spilling for a while now that FIFA 23 would be the final game in the FIFA franchise, with disputes surrounding money and game content key factors in EA's wish to step away.
EA has now confirmed that FIFA 23 will be their last game in collaboration with FIFA, with EA Sports FC set to rise from the ashes.
Symbol of Change
In their announcement, EA Sports were keen to ensure that fans knew this wasn't going to be just an arbitrary change of logo.
Instead, it's stated that EA Sports FC will be a 'symbol of change' - expanding certain licenses and permitting the developers more creative freedom.
This could all be very exciting, with some of the fan-suggested developments for the FIFA franchise finally coming to fruition with the birth of EA Sports FC.
Whilst it remains to be seen if EA can walk the walk as well as talk the talk, the early signs are positive.
Many football clubs have promoted EA Sports FC since its announcement, giving us some indicators that the brand new franchise could have a wider reach than first anticipated.
Best for Fans
Conversely to EA Sports' more open and inclusive statement, FIFA has reacted with a slightly more jarring one.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino states "I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans."
Whilst FIFA's commitment to working with independent developers can only be beneficial for all parties in the long run, it does raise some questions as to whether it was football's most prominent governing body that was holding back some of the creative licenses EA wished to implement in their games.
Whilst FIFA will continue by name, the exclusive license deals forged by EA Sports will remain with EA Sports FC, giving the brand new phoenix franchise an early head start.
A Fine Balance
Ultimately, both EA Sports FC and FIFA face a vital few years ahead.
With games not getting any cheaper, and a ton of games shifting to a free-to-play model in order to compete, the battle between these two footballing behemoths will be captivating to say the least.
FIFA will need to act fast in order to secure exciting licenses and a developer that will take the franchise to the next level.
For EA Sports FC, they will need to find the balance between old and new, ensuring that new innovations are clever and well tested, whilst not straying too far from the formula that has put them on top.