EA Sports FC has been born into existence this year – but why did EA part ways with the beloved brand name of FIFA?
The brand-new soccer simulator has many new features to it. The inclusion of women in Ultimate Team is a first from EA, which adds a whole new roster of names for players to sink their teeth into. However, with the popularity of the game, they have also kept much the same. The game modes such as Career Mode, Pro Clubs, and the beloved Ultimate Team are all still involved – which will delight long-standing fans of the franchise. But this begs the big question, just why did they choose to rebrand? FIFA was a household name, so what on earth would possess anyone to change that to EA Sports FC? Well, there are reasons behind this.
Why did FIFA change to EA Sports FC?
In short – it all came down to money. According to The New York Times, the footballing body of FIFA was asking for double its $150 million licensing fee to allow Electronic Arts to continue using its name.
After this, EA pondered whether they actually really needed FIFA anymore to continue with the franchise. Yes, the iconic name would be no more, but they’d built such a huge reputation that licensing wouldn’t be an issue and they could easily promote a new brand – which they have done just that with EA FC 24.
When did the two part ways?
The decision was made public on the 22nd of May 2022 – stating that after FIFA 23, ‘FIFA’ as a title would be no more.
A full statement was released by EA:
“Next year, EA SPORTS FC will become the future of football from EA SPORTS. Alongside our 300+ license partners across the sport, we are ready to take global football experiences to new heights, on behalf of all football fans around the world.”
“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. Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums, and 30 leagues that we continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA SPORTS FC. That includes exclusive partnerships with the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, the MLS, and more to come.”
It is unknown as of yet whether the decision will be a successful one, but with the sheer amount of money FIFA were demanding – we can see why the Canadian company made this decision.