Allegedly, FIFA 25 is set to release in autumn 2024 – but it won’t be from EA. After the gaming company granted the naming rights, a rumor suggests that 2K will take over. However, it won’t be easy for the experts in the sports gaming sector.
This is the rumor:
- It’s been speculated for a few months whether 2K will develop the next FIFA. According to video game retailer MohPlay Inc, the studio has secured the license for the new FIFA 25 (via X).
- EA, who have made FIFA so far, gave up the license in 2022.
- The new competitor, 2K, already has a strong position in sports games and is known for the NBA series and WWE wrestling – although not always well received.
When is the release? According to a statement from MohPlay Inc, FIFA 25 is set to release in 2024, likely under the name FIFA 2K25 as is typical for 2K. A specific release date and confirmation are still pending.
EA has released its FIFA or Sports FC games in autumn. Accordingly, autumn 2024 would be roughly the timeframe in which a FIFA 2K25 could be expected.
After EA made FIFA 23 the last official FIFA game, FIFA 2K25 would finally bring the next installment within reach. However, there are a few hurdles for the new developer.
The trailer for the National Women’s Soccer League from FIFA 23 – After this, the series from EA came to an end:
FIFA 2K25 as competition for EA FC – With hurdles
Although EA no longer holds the naming rights to FIFA and thus cannot call the game that anymore, the company still holds a plethora of naming rights, including those to:
- over 19,000 players
- over 700 teams
- over 100 stadiums
- and 30 leagues
Among these are some exclusive partnerships, such as with the Bundesliga or the popular La Liga. Although EA Sports FC is no longer called FIFA, it can at least continue to use all the official names. How it will work with 2K is still uncertain.
With the separation from EA, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino promised in 2022:
I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that bears the name FIFA will be the best available for gamers and football fans. The name FIFA is the only global, original title.
With FIFA 2K25, 2K would become the new major competitor for FIFA in the market of football games for PC, PS5, and Xbox. The previously largest contender in the genre, Pro Evolution Soccer, completely revamped its games just before the end of EA’s FIFA era – with mediocre success: eFootball 2022 has thoroughly botched its Steam launch – Now shows contrition at the comeback
