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Yes. FIFA 23 is the last in the long-running FIFA series, but it isn’t the end of the popular video game. EA Sports confirmed this after their thirty-year partnership with FIFA ended. However, the game developer quickly reassured the fans that it was the beginning of a new era, and EA SPORTS FC is the future.
EA Sports guarantees excellent experiences, and better modes, tournaments, leagues, athletes, and clubs will be available. In addition, some of your favorite game modes, such as the Ultimate team, Pro Clubs, VOLTA, and many others, will be present in the new EA SPORTS FC series.
Why Is FIFA 23 The Last FIFA?
EA SPORTS has grown into one of the largest video game franchises worldwide. Its partnership with the FIFA body has generated more than $20 billion in sales.
The official news is that there will be no more FIFA 23 after unfruitful contract renegotiations between EA SPORTS and FIFA. Their current contract was to end after the FIFA World Cup 2022. However, according to The New York Times, the two parties decided to extend until the end of the Women’s World Cup in 2023.
There are a few reasons that lead to the unsuccessful negotiations between FIFA and EA SPORTS. Tariq Panja of the New York Times reported that one reason was that FIFA was seeking to double the current licensing fee to $150 million annually. Another reason was the added clause in the license to allow FIFA to partner with other game developers and use the FIFA brand. Finally, a former head of EA SPORTs division revealed that FIFA wanted to do a deal with Epic Games.
Another likely reason is that EA SPORTS wanted to invest further into the brand and include actual game highlights and digital products such as NFTs.
Both sides made demands that the other didn’t feel comfortable agreeing to, leading to the split. EA SPORTS believes they can develop something better, although there is still room to figure out a solution.
What’s Next for FIFA?
After the current extension deal expires, FIFA is free to create video game products and brand them under the FIFA name. This means that there are chances that we might see partnerships with other developers not associated with EA SPORTS.
On the other hand, EA SPORTS has confirmed the new EA SPORTS FC series, which will feature more in-game additions such as cross-play, World Cup, Women’s World Cup, and Women’s club teams.
The fallout, however, still gives EA SPORTS the rights to retain the featured leagues, players, and stadium naming rights.
What’s New In The EA SPORTS FC Series?
EA SPORTs official statement promised gamers more features, game modes, clubs, leagues, World Cup content, competitions, and players in their new series. The game will be the most expensive football game ever made.
There will be no significant differences between the new series and the FIFA we’re used to, apart from the name and additional features. EA SPORTS has a comprehensive licensing portfolio that includes 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums, and 30 leagues. This means we should expect action from all our favorite leagues, such as the Premier League, Bundesliga, La Liga, Serie A, etc.
All leagues have a different licensing deal and will take the new journey with EA SPORTS. There are also licensing deals made with the European governing body, UEFA, and the Champions League and Europa League will be present.
The only significant aspect is that it will have no licensing rights for national teams and the World Cup tournament. However, EA SPORTS chief executive announced that there is still a possibility to feature the World Cup in EA SPORTS FC’s upcoming series.
