FIFA 22 could be the franchise’s last title because EA and FIFA can’t agree on the naming rights.
For over twenty years, EA Sports has carried the FIFA name. However, it seems that this will change in the future. In a report by VGC on Wednesday, EA CEO Andrew Wilson talks about working with FIFA and the future of the franchise.
Apparently FIFA wants to share the licence not only with Electronic Arts, but also with other companies. This would mean that the long-time partner would lose the exclusivity of the FIFA franchise. However, EA has already announced in a statement in October 2021 that the company is already thinking about a name change. EA Sports FC was mentioned as a possibility.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson now made another statement about the relationship with FIFA. The partnership has lasted for over 30 years. They have created one of the biggest entertainment projects in the world. Furthermore, according to Wilson, EA’s FIFA has “more meaning as a video game than just a governing body of a football.” EA had tried to make FIFA understand what the development studio needed for the future.
🚨 HUGE FIFA news 🚨
EA Sports planning FIFA23 release, but gaming franchise could be set to end, after EA CEO says FIFA licence has been an ‘impediment’ in recent years.🤯
Story for @MirrorFootball, original reporting via @VGC_NewsFIFA23 FIFA22https://t.co/EMQOvdkZdL
– Nathan Bliss (@EsportsNath) February 23, 2022
In addition, Wilson explains that the FIFA licence may have also hindered the growth of the franchise. “The player:ins tell us they want more cultural and commercial brands that are relevant to them to be more involved in the game.” However, this would not be possible at the moment due to FIFA’s exclusive partnerships. FIFA fans are also hoping for multiple modes to play or even different gameplay.
