For months it has looked like EA will be parting ways with FIFA, which would make FIFA 22 the last in a series that has spanned nearly 30 years.
A recent report from VGC claimed that EA CEO Andrew Wilson had told staff that FIFA has been "an impediment" to the company, further supporting an impending split.
In the same article, there was also news about the release of FIFA 23, something we weren't sure would even be happening given the current situation between the two parties.
Trusty Source?
First off, we must say that VGC had all "comments provided anonymously" to them, so while nothing is yet set in stone, it looks likely that a new FIFA game will be coming.
In the article, VGC stated:
VGC understands EA is currently planning to release this year’s game as FIFA 23 and include two FIFA World Cup tournaments – the men’s and women’s events – for the first time.
As the current naming deal EA has with FIFA expires after this year’s Qatar World Cup, the timeframe for another EA/FIFA game checks out.
This means that a FIFA 23 release in September could be the last in the franchise.
Same Game, New Name
When negotiations for a renewed deal stalled between the two parties, EA looked to plan straight for the future, trademarking the name 'EA Sports F.C.', which is widely regarded to be the title for the game once ties are cut with FIFA.
Many people feared that if a split happened then the next football game from EA would also lose lots of licenses, meaning authentic kits, stadiums and players could be removed.
However, this is not the case.
In fact, the only gains EA gets from their deal with FIFA is the use of the 'FIFA' name, logo and rights to the World Cup.
As was allegedly said by EA CEO Andrew Wilson:
“Basically, what we get from FIFA in a non-World Cup year is the four letters on the front of the box"
EA gets most of the rights from their deal with FIFPRO, and last year it was announced that they have already agreed on a long-term renewal of their current partnership.
At the time, David Jackson, the VP of EA SPORTS Brand, had this to say:
“Our players regularly remind us that one of the most important aspects of an EA SPORTS experience is the deep immersion created through authentic use of the world’s greatest leagues, teams and talent -- it’s how we continue to uniquely blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds of football. FIFPRO will continue to be an important partner as we build the next generation of EA SPORTS football experiences for players around the world”.
For EA a name change won't worry them, as it is the deal with FIFPRO which is the more important factor in bringing fans the play they want.
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