EA Sports loses FIFA exclusivity partnership
Last Updated on: 18th October 2021, 06:11 pm
We never thought we’d see the day, but it looks like FIFA has announced that they’re cutting – some – ties with EA Sports in a move that is going to hugely shake up the current market. This can’t be good news for EA Sports.
EA Sports loses FIFA partnership?
According to B/R Gaming, FIFA has issued a statement announcing their intention to end the exclusive partnership with EA Sports. This opens up FIFA licensing to other developers and will undoubtedly please fans of 2K’s sports games – the two are often seen as rivals in the “sports games” sub-industry.
The statement shared by B/R Gaming reads:
” FIFA is bullish and excited about the future in gaming and esports for football, and it is clear that this needs to be a space that is occupied by more than one party controlling all rights.”
” Technology and mobile companies are now actively competing to be associated with FIFA, its platforms, and global tournaments.”
” Gaming and esports are the fastest-growing media verticals on the planet, with new and diverse types of games launching continuously… It is therefore of crucial importance for FIFA and its stakeholders to maximise all future opportunities for football and gaming fans.”
GamesIndustry
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We don’t really know how different a football game can be, to be honest. There are titles out there that tweak the formula to offer unique experiences, but as a simulation of the Beautiful Game, EA Sports’ line of FIFA games are the best out there.
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EA Sports’ licensing agreement with FIFA was extended in 2013 until 2022, however, it looks like that’s coming to an end. It looks like FIFA is planning to use the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women’s World Cup to integrate new titles into the FIFA games library – with the exclusivity deal on the way out… Will FIFA 22 be the last “FIFA”?
