That’s right, FIFA 23 will be the last FIFA as we know it, as the popular video game’s name will be changing after EA Sports and FIFA end their nearly 30-year-long partnership.
Today, 10 May, EA Sports announced that the name of everyone’s favourite football video game would be changing.
With a press release being issued on their official website, that reads: “I want to start by thanking this incredible community of more than 150 million fans for helping build the world’s biggest football entertainment platform – EA SPORTS™ FIFA.
“After nearly 30 years of creating genre-defining interactive football experiences, we will soon begin an exciting new era.
“Next year, EA SPORTS FC will become the future of football from EA SPORTS.”
That’s right, the FIFA video game as you once knew it will be no more. Well, at least the name will be different.
EA Sports were quick to reassure fans that:
“Everything you love about our games will be part of EA SPORTS FC – the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes will be there.
“Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football will all be there.”
News of the name change was announced to Twitter, with the brand also revealing that it would now be partnering with Nike.
The tweet read: “Football, meet Future.
“We’re proud to be partnering with #EASPORTSFC to expand the future of the beautiful game. More to come July 2023. You ready?”
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Learn more July 2023#EASPORTSFCMore details: https://t.co/3fi6YPOH2G pic.twitter.com/75FLzjOapN
— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) May 10, 2022
News of the name change comes after months of negotiations between EA Sports and FIFA, as reported by The New York Times.
The pair have a deal that is expect to run until the end of the Women’s World Cup in summer 2023, and after that fans will have to get used to a new name for their favourite video game.
It marks the end of a hugely lucrative partnership, as over the past 20 years the game brought in more than $20 billion in sales.