Key Takeaways
- EA Sports is launching a new soccer gaming franchise, EA Sports FC, after ending its 30-year partnership with FIFA due to a licensing agreement dispute in May 2022.
- EA Sports FC aims to preserve the elements that made FIFA popular while introducing innovative features and developments.
- The new game will continue to feature over 19,000 footballers, 700 teams, and 30 leagues, and popular features like Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Pro Clubs will make a return.
- EA faces the challenge of informing both dedicated and casual players about the rebranding and reaching part-time players.
- EA Sports FC presents an opportunity for greater interconnectivity between the digital gaming experience and real-world soccer, potentially functioning as a global hub for football content.
After three decades of collaboration with FIFA, Electronic Arts (EA) is set to launch a new chapter in soccer gaming with its upcoming franchise, EA Sports FC.
The development comes in the wake of a licensing agreement dispute between EA Sports and the FIFA organization in May 2022, which effectively ended their 30-year partnership.
Building a New Era in Soccer Gaming
EA Sports FC aspires to create “a new Football Club for the future of football we want to build together,” as highlighted in EA’s press release.
The brand-new black and white logo incorporates a minimalist EA Sports bubble beside a distinctive triangular shape, a design element commonly associated with soccer, symbolizing field formations and the game’s pixels.
Smooth Transition: FIFA to FC
To encourage the estimated 150 million FIFA players to embrace the new game, EA has initiated promotional activities, including displaying the new logo at Premier League stadiums and launching the FC Futures initiative.
This program aims to support grassroots football projects across the globe, further strengthening EA’s commitment to the sport.
David Jackson, EA Sports FC’s Vice President of Brand, asserts that the timing is ideal for the company to “create our own narrative and be able to craft our own future.”
EA’s primary goal is to preserve the elements that have made the FIFA series a fan favorite, while simultaneously introducing innovative features and groundbreaking developments.
Despite parting ways with FIFA, EA Sports FC will continue to feature over 19,000 footballers, 700 teams, and 30 leagues.
Loyal fans can also expect the return of popular features such as Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Pro Clubs.
EA Sports FC aspires to create “a new Football Club for the future of football we want to build together,” as highlighted in EA’s press release.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
Informing both dedicated and casual players about the rebranding is one of EA’s main challenges.
According to Simon Cardy, Senior Editorial Producer at gaming website IGN, reaching part-time players might prove difficult.
EA plans to disclose further details about the new game in July, with Jackson assuring fans that the company is actively listening to players’ feedback and collaborating with partners to maintain realism and authenticity.
In 2022, EA generated approximately £5.5 billion in net revenue, with a considerable portion resulting from FIFA’s popularity.
The successful transition to EA Sports FC is vital for the company, and the team is reportedly enthusiastic about the new endeavor.
Envisioning a Unified Hub for Football Content
EA Sports FC presents an opportunity for greater interconnectivity between the digital gaming experience and real-world soccer.
Although not yet confirmed, the game could potentially function as a global hub for football content, featuring streaming rights to select matches and providing support for real-world events or tournaments alongside the gaming experience itself.
Jackson affirms, “We do see ourselves as the world’s game. And as a result, we need to meet players and fans where they are.”
EA’s mission is to nurture the passion for football at all levels, from grassroots to professional, ultimately bridging the gap between the virtual and real-world aspects of the new game.
