FIFA without EA Sports? – Discussions begun with other developers

EA Sports has been developing FIFA since the 1990s. Due to the fact that the existing licence deal is slated to expire at the end of the year, it is possible that this link could soon become obsolete. 

The Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), which oversees football and owns the licence for the most popular sports video game in the world, has indicated that it is interested in collaborating with new video game firms. 

Rumors have stated that EA is already considering the names of new franchises as negotiations for the renewal of the licence appear to be at a standstill. FIFA is now reportedly seeking for a new developer to continue the series, or possibly to produce its own game, according to sources. 

In a statement entitled “FIFA set to widen gaming and esports portfolio” FIFA states that it is ” bullish and optimistic about its long-term future in gaming and eSports following a comprehensive and strategic assessment of the gaming and interactive entertainment market.” 

The next statement in the post, which can only be seen as an indirect jab at EA, reads as follows: “The future of gaming and eSports for football stakeholders must involve more than one party controlling and exploiting all rights.”

“Technology and mobile firms are now actively fighting to be linked with FIFA, its platforms, and worldwide events,” the statement continues. 

“FIFA is interacting with numerous industry stakeholders, including developers, investors, and analysts, to build out a long-term picture of the gaming, eSports, and interactive entertainment sector,” the statement continues. 

EA said on October 7 that it was renegotiating its licence arrangement with FIFA. According to the statement, even if the firm were to end its relationship with FIFA and rename the series, it would still be able to keep all of its other league, player, and stadium licences. 

The statement continues, “Through years of developing our worldwide franchise, we also realise that authenticity is crucial to the experience.” 

“That is why we place so much emphasis on the aggregate power of more than 300 individual licenced partners, who provide us with access to 17,000+ players from 700+ clubs, in 100 stadiums, and in more than 30 leagues worldwide. 

“We continually invest in the partnerships and licenses that are most meaningful to players, and because of that, our game is the only place you can authentically play in the iconic UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga, and LaLiga Santander, among many others.”

EA then submitted additional trademark applications for the name “EA Sports FC” on October 11th, which prompted more speculation. As previously reported, FIFPro, the players’ union, has agreed to an extension of their agreement with the publisher. 

EA’s current ten-year FIFA naming deal expires after this year’s Qatar World Cup.