Millions of football fans grew up enjoying the EA Sports FIFA video games. FIFA and EA have been working together on the games for three decades with a new edition coming out every year.
That relationship came to an end this season, though, and EA have been left trying to execute what can only be described as one of the most ambitious and difficult rebrands in the history of gaming.
Given the games were always named ‘FIFA 14’ or ‘FIFA 22’ with the year changing each time, fans were left wondering what they could even call the new game, let alone how different it will be once fully released.
With some early details being released by EA, here is all that we know so far about the new game.
Chelsea FC 🤝 EA SPORTS FC.
We’re proud to be in the club! 💙
Stay tuned for more #EASPORTSFC information to drop in July 2023! 🎮
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 6, 2023
The new games are going to be called EA Sports FC after the name was confirmed by the company themselves. The new name has also been accompanied by a new logo which sees the phrase EA Sports FC written in the shape of a downward-pointing triangle.
The triangle is a shape that seems to feature heavily in the branding of the new game and overall platform with EA saying: “The new brand takes its design inspiration directly from the beautiful game and a dominant shape in football culture that represents the sport in multiple dimensions, triangles.
“From passing techniques to set plays, the shape has also been woven into the DNA of EA SPORTS football experiences for decades; from the isometric angles of our very first 8-bit experiences and the triangular polygons that make up every pixel of our most modern games, as well the iconic player indicator symbol that appears above every athlete in every match.”
It will be a separate entity, devoid of FIFA intervention. President Gianni Infantino revealed the governing body will continue to make a video game, though the series would continue in the future with FIFA 25, missing out a year.
He said: “The new FIFA game – the FIFA 25, 26, 27 and so on – will always be the best e-game for any girl or boy, we will have news on this very soon.”
There aren’t expected to be any major departures in game modes available for EA Sports FC players. However, with FIFA now out of the picture EA could get more creative and bring new formats to our screens.
The following game types will all feature in the new release.
No release date has been confirmed for EA Sports FC. That said, EA previously released their FIFA games in October, so a similar timeframe may be eyed for the drop of EA Sports FC.
Something that has kept the FIFA games ahead of the Pro Evolution Soccer series is their full licensing of leagues, teams and kits. That will continue with EA Sports FC, with the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, WSL, NWSL, CONMEBOL and more on board with the new game.
EA said: “Fans will experience unrivalled authenticity with access to more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues, with the support of over 300 global football partners that will allow further expansion into areas including both women’s and grassroots football.”
With new records being set in women’s football all over the world every season, one way in which EA Sports FC will have its success measured will be the development of women’s football within the game.
With the Women’s Super League and the National Women’s Soccer League both being fully licensed for the game, it looks good. This is backed up by a statement from Navin Singh, Commercial Director at The Football Association.
“For football to advance, the elevation and equality of women’s football needs to be a focus. EA SPORTS FC will provide fans with an unmatched women’s gaming experience that highlights the importance and impact of women’s football. We know that fans have been asking for more opportunities to engage with the Barclays WSL, and EA SPORTS FC provides an answer,” Singh said.
Right now, there are limited details on the specifics of the gameplay and the features that will be kept and added to the game from FIFA 23.
The best the fans can do right now to get closer to the new product and any future news is to sign up to ‘Join the Club’ on the EA Sports FC website.
FIFA 23 was the final game in the iconic FIFA series, with EA Sports already confirming the next game will be part of a major rebrand. The rights deal between EA and FIFA comes to an end in 2023 and the next game will instead be titled EA Sports FC.
The game itself and its most popular modes are expected to remain the same, while EA will continue to use their licenses for 9,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues to make the game as realistic as possible.
