Now it’s official: EA Sports is parting ways with the “FIFA” name and renaming its football series – at least after FIFA 23. What this means for the game is explained by EA in a statement.
This is the new name: In an official statement, EA Sports announced that the FIFA series will continue in a new form starting July 2023: As “EA Sports FC”.
Prior to that, EA Sports will continue as usual for one more year. “FIFA 23” is expected to be the last game in collaboration with the current naming partner, FIFA.
What’s next for FIFA after FIFA 23?
What remains in EA Sports FC from FIFA? In the statement, EA Sports made it clear that the important licenses for real players, leagues, and more will remain in “EA Sports FC”. This applies to
- over 19,000 players
- Over 700 teams
- Over 100 stadiums
- And 30 leagues
This also includes exclusive partnerships, for example with the Bundesliga, Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and MLS.
In addition, the established modes will return. Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs, and VOLTA are also set to find their place in EA Sports FC.
What changes? Here, EA remains largely tight-lipped. Cam Weber from EA Sports writes in the statement:
“This new independent platform will provide new opportunities – for innovation, creativity, and development. This is much more than just a symbolic change – as EA SPORTS, we are committed to ensuring that EA SPORTS FC is a symbol of change. We are determined to invest meaningfully in the sport, and we look forward to working with a large and growing number of partners to create new authentic experiences that bring joy to a global fanbase, engage them, and immerse them in the world.
Cam Weber, EVP, Group GM EA SPORTS & Racing (via EA.com)
More information is set to be revealed in summer 2023.
What does EA say about FIFA 23? Weber emphasizes in the statement that FIFA 23 is expected to be the best and most comprehensive FIFA yet. This includes more features, modes, and also players, clubs, leagues, and competitions.
Notably interesting: “World Cup Content,” referring to materials related to the World Cup, is expressly mentioned. It’s possible that the 2022 World Cup will be particularly addressed after the release of FIFA 23.
FIFA 23 is set to release in autumn as usual. However, an exact date has not yet been announced.
What about FIFA 22? The changes have no impact on the current FIFA titles.
No sudden change: For some time now, leaks have been circulating that such a renaming could happen. The terms “EA Sports FC” or “EA Sports Football Club” appeared repeatedly over the months as possible alternatives to “FIFA.” Now it’s official.
The entire discussion about the name was preceded in 2021 by a statement from publisher EA, which openly considered a new name for the “EA Sports football games”. Reasons included, among others, the high price for the naming license from the FIFA association and questions about influence on the game.
What do you think about the new direction? Let us know in the comments!
