The tension between the football giant FIFA and EA is something both the companies have not been shy about hiding, with the AAA developer even considering changing its football series name, as per the rumors.
It seems the rumors can officially be laid to rest, as EA has announced via an official article that the company and football giant FIFA will be officially ending their long-standing partnership, and that future titles will now be called EA Sports FC, starting in 2023.
As per EA, everything which fans have experienced from the football series over the years will stay same, including the various game modes, teams, tournaments, clubs, etc. all thanks to the exclusive partnership between the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, the MLS, and more.
“Everything you love about our games will be part of EA SPORTS FC – the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes will be there. Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football will all be there. Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues that we’ve continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA SPORTS FC. That includes exclusive partnerships with the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, the MLS – and more to come,” said Cam Weber, EVP, Group GM EA SPORTS & Racing.
Weber further stated that, “This new independent platform will bring fresh opportunity – to innovate, create and evolve. This is much more than just a change of symbol – as EA SPORTS, we’re committed to ensuring EA SPORTS FC is a symbol of change. We’re dedicated to meaningfully reinvesting in the sport, and we’re excited to work with a large and increasing number of partners to expand to new authentic experiences that bring joy, inclusivity and immersion to a global community of fans. I look forward to sharing more detail on these plans in the coming months.”
EA also mentions that they will be delivering the most expansive game ever with FIFA later this year. “We are committed to ensuring the next FIFA is our best ever, with more features, game modes, World Cup content, clubs, leagues, competitions, and players than any FIFA title before,” Weber further added.
EA has promised more details on EA Sports FC in Summer of 2023.