EA Sports has released new details about its upcoming soccer game, EA Sports FC. The game is set to be the first entry in a new franchise without the FIFA branding after EA ended its partnership with the international soccer governing body last year. Although not much has been revealed about the upcoming game, fans are quite excited to see what EA has in store.
Details about the new game release
According to EA, the launch of the new soccer game will create a “platform to create, innovate and grow new football experiences”. The game is expected to be available later this year, and fans can expect a lineup of players, teams, and stadiums that will still have the same or similar licensing deals with EA. Nevertheless, the game will not use the FIFA branding, with the new franchise being based purely on the global sport of soccer.
Nick Wlodyka’s statement
Nick Wlodyka, who will oversee the creation of EA Sports FC, described the new franchise as a “symbol of innovation and change”. In his statement, he stated that the new game will provide fans with a truly unique and fan-first experience that embodies EA’s 30-year history in the soccer gaming industry. “We’re energized to show our fans more about the future in July,” he added.
Leagues featured in the game
The game is expected to feature matches in the biggest soccer leagues globally, including the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and WSL. According to EA, hundreds of leagues, teams, brands, and athletes will be represented in the game.
The future of FIFA
Although EA has ended its partnership with FIFA, the latter still plans to release a game bearing its brand through third-party developers and publishers. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had earlier claimed that this game would be the “only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name” and the best one available for fans.
“I can assure you that the FIFA name is the only global, original title. FIFA 23, FIFA 24, FIFA 25 and FIFA 26, and so on–the constant is the FIFA name, and it will remain forever and remain THE BEST,” Infantino added.
The price tag on FIFA branding
According to reports, FIFA was reportedly asking EA to pay $1 billion every four years to use the FIFA name in its games. This huge price tag is one reason why EA chose to split from FIFA and develop its own soccer game, to the surprise of many soccer fans globally.
The Bottom Line
The soccer gaming industry is set for a big change with the introduction of EA Sports FC, a game that will change the industry’s course forever. With innovations and new features promised for the game, only time will tell if it will live up to soccer fans’ expectations globally.
