With the announcement of EA and FIFA’s split, FIFA will work with other third-party developers to launch new soccer games, and non-simulation games are already in the works and are planned to release in Q3 2022.
After almost 30 years, EA will no longer release soccer games under the FIFA banner starting in 2023. EA cites the high price tag and creative restrictions as reasons for the split, but FIFA will now work with other developers to keep its name in the video game sphere.
“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 [soccer] fans. The FIFA name is the only global, original title. FIFA 23, FIFA 24, FIFA 25 and FIFA 26, and so on – the constant is the FIFA name and it will remain forever and remain the best,” says FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a statement.
He continued, “The interactive gaming and esports sector is on a path of unrivalled growth and diversification. FIFA’s strategy is to ensure we can make the most of all future options and ensure a wide range of products and opportunities for gamers, fans, member associations and partners.”
Additionally, EA will still be able to publish FIFA 23 later this year as the company was given an extension for the simulation soccer category only. This allows other studios and publishers to create different kinds of games using the FIFA name.
Going forward, EA’s FIFA series will now be called EA Sports FC after it releases FIFA 23 later this year. EA Sports vice president David Jackson clarifies that only the name and World cup content will change in its future soccer games and that it has already signed deals with teams and leagues, including the Premier League and UEFA.
George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @yinyangfooey