EA Sports is a leading global sports gaming publisher that’s released some of the industry’s most well-known titles. The company ranks second, just behind Nintendo, and is known for the aggressive acquisitions in the early 2000s.
Gamers everywhere have come to know and love Madden NFL, NHL, UFC and FIFA games. The FIFA series stands out because FIFA has become more than just a fun football game.
It represents a hugely popular gaming series that’s garnered the attention of players around the world. Even Premier League players will hop on and start playing FIFA!
EA Announces FIFA 22 In a Press Release
There was plenty of hype from gamers surrounding the new FIFA 22 Web Application release a few months ago. The application allowed users to start competing before the game’s initial launch on October 1, 2021. Gamers were excited to see what new game features and capabilities would be available in FIFA 22.
Online leaks popped up and suggested when the game would be made available. These leaks came soon after EA announced its Madden 22 game, released on August 20, 2021.
It’s clear that EA has had a busy few weeks, and for one reason, in particular, it’s likely EA will gain ample coverage in the news cycle. Let’s explore why.
EA Sports Considering a Name Change to its FIFA Series
More recently, EA published a blog post on its website that included some figures representing the number of gamers already enjoying the FIFA 22 experience.
So far, they’ve had 9.1 million people join the game. Over 7 million Ultimate Team squads have been created thus far, and the game will only grow in popularity.
In Ultimate Teams mode, also referred to as FUT (FIFA Ultimate Teams), players can customize their star lineup to compete and unlock rewards.
Additionally, there have been 460 million matches played. It’s fair to say that the game is blowing up, and gamers are loving the new game and all it has to offer.
At the end of the blog post, however, EA included details of a possible FIFA rebranding. Just after releasing its newest FIFA game, FIFA 22, EA also revealed that its partnership with FIFA may come to an end.
EA and FIFA’s Relationship
Since 1993, FIFA and EA Sports have maintained a stable relationship. However, EA sports general manager Cam Weber stated in an article that EA is currently reviewing the naming rights with FIFA.
EA’s relationship with FIFA stands out from the rest of the official partnerships and licenses. Money may be the driving factor in this possible rebrand. FIFA is the top global governing body of soccer.
However, FIFA includes more than just soccer games — it also includes other leagues, such as the examples listed below:
- Premier League
- Bundesliga
- LaLiga Santander
- UEFA Champions League
- UEFA Europa League
- CONMEBOL Libertadores
EA also mentioned in its press release that it has over 300 individual licensed partners — this includes over 17,000 athletes in over 700 teams in over 30 leagues worldwide. Producing these games, along with licensing fees and FIFA branding, it may be too expensive for EA to maintain this partnership with FIFA.
While no decision has been made yet, gamers should prepare for a potential name change via intellectual property regulations posted on the websites of the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office and the EU Intellectual Property Office. It’s unclear how both entities will proceed. Still, it’s worth mentioning that money will play a significant role in this possible rebranding.
Expect a (Possible) FIFA Rebranding
As mentioned earlier, FIFA has transformed the gaming industry and is essentially its own brand now. Gamers everywhere, especially avid FIFA fans, may have mixed feelings about the impending name change.
It’s expected that the official decision to rename the FIFA series will happen sometime before the end of 2021.