EA’s “FIFA” Road to Retirement – What Happens to the Beautiful Game?
For almost three decades, the EA Sports FIFA series has been the go‑to soundtrack for goal‑scoring, crowd‑cheering, and the occasional ridiculous off‑pitch prank. Now that the long‑standing licensing deal is winding down, the next game will hit shelves under a new name: EA Sports FC. That’s news enough to send the football‑fan community into a frenzy.
Why the Change & What It Means for Gamers
- EA will announce a detailed rundown in July 2025 – the “new independent platform” promises fresh avenues for innovation, swapping the old label for a brandy fresh experience.
- Despite the name swap, the core content stays – 19,000+ players, 700+ clubs, 100+ stadiums, 30 leagues. Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, UEFA and friends will still be rolling through the console’s grassy fields.
- Taking a bow on the World Cup side: we’ll lose the “fifth‑generation” edition that ticks every four years. The rightful ticket to that might jump to other studios.
CEO Andrew Wilson: More Freedom, Fewer Constraints
“When you travel the globe and bump into folks who’ve glued themselves to our titles, you hear the same beat – unique, focused experiences for each scene.” Wilson mused on a recent earnings call. “EA’s new album is a buffet for partners, letting us serve each fan exactly what they crave.”
Cam Weber on the next FIFA Game
According to Cam Weber, the last trade‑in will pack “more modes, deeper World Cup content, and an army of clubs & leagues” than any previous edition. In short, the product’s depth will outshine what’s come before.
FIFA’s Future – More Than Just a Name
Meanwhile, the governing body still houses ambitions that’ll compete with EA’s fresh platform. Signing up with third‑party developers, they’re setting out to forge new football simulations and non‑simulation titles slated to launch in the latter part of 2022.
“The authentic FIFA name will remain the best game for fans,” declared FIFA’s Gianni Infantino. “FIFA 23, 24, 25, 26 – the name stays, the presidency continues, and the legacy rolls on forever.”
Infantino emphasized that the futbol esports sector thrives on continuous growth and variety. Their plan? Capture every opportunity, provide a mountain of products, and keep the fans, clubs, and partners dancing to the same rhythm.
What’s the Bottom Line?
When FIFA 23 drops, new developers will be free to build their own titles under the FIFA banner. Whether that will shake up the dominance of the franchise remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: for now, EA’s new EA Sports FC will keep the beloved leagues, clubs, and players regardless of the label switch.
Ultimately, the beautiful game will keep beating on, whether it’s under the EA flag or a fresh flag stamped by FIFA’s own stamp. As fans, we just get to keep kicking the ball in whatever box we’re thrown into.
