The end of an era.

Video game giant Electronic Arts has announced that it will stop producing the popular football game. Fifa Published annually since 1993.

you wereOne of the most profitable brands in history console and PC games.

However, the cost of the license, which amounts to more than US$1,000 million per World Cup cycle, was one of the reasons it decided to leave the partnership with FIFA.

EA Sports, the subdivision that runs it, will continue to create football video games, but from 2023 they will be under a new name: EA Sports FC.

Game mechanics and basic game modes they will be similar From what gamers have seen in recent years, this change is likely a broader version of the title. other experiences beyond playing football.

in the statements BBCEA Sports vice president David Jackson revealed that he believes the studio has time to go in a different direction to “build a brand for the future.”

While the details of these experiences are currently unclear, it’s known that you’ll be able to stream real-life matches, experience Fortnite-style live events, and access a wider range of branded in-game items.

“Under the license agreements we agreed with FIFA a few years ago, 10 years“There were some constraints that wouldn’t allow us to create these experiences for players,” Jackson said.

What will happen to the teams?

The FIFA series has been partially successful thanks to licensing agreements that allow accurate details such as team kits, player faces and stadiums to be displayed.

Rival video games such as Pro Evolution Soccer offered fictitious teams

EA Sports said it will continue to deliver real-world experiences with a future catalog of 19,000 players, 700 teams, 100 stadiums and more than 30 leagues.

However, World Cup related games such as “FIFA: Road to World Cup” will no longer be produced by the firm.

As for the FIFA title, there will be a final release this year with FIFA 23 in the fall.

“This is an important moment for the organisation. Interactive football experiences have been instrumental in EA Sports’ success over the past 30 years.”

If the company is to retain key licenses in the future, it will be vital to ensure that the majority of FIFA’s current millions of players move to the new title. They are an essential part of your success.

When asked whether leaving FIFA was a purely financial decision, Jackson said it was “not ultimately because of money” but acknowledged that it played a crucial role in the decision-making process.

As for the governing body of world football, last year Collaborating with developers, investors and analysts to design your future strategy for games, esports and interactive entertainment show that we’ve known this change is coming for some time.

The BBC contacted FIFA for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

When it comes to what they might miss, players will only notice two things: the name, and it’s part of the quarterly World Cup content. Except this, little will change about what they know and love It’s about current FIFA products,” Jackson said.