Is FIFA 23 the last FIFA?

In simple terms, FIFA 23 is waving goodbye to its well-known name. EA Sports, the company behind the game, decided that FIFA 23 is the final game with the FIFA title. But don't worry, football fans! EA Sports is not quitting the game; they're just giving it a new name – EA Sports FC.

Is FIFA 23 really the last FIFA?

For those who've been with FIFA for a long time, this news might feel a bit nostalgic. The journey started almost thirty years ago, bringing virtual soccer to our screens. Now, it's taking a turn that many didn't see coming. However, the game isn't disappearing. EA Sports is preparing to launch their next creation, EA Sports FC, with a fresh look but the same soccer spirit.

After talking and negotiating for months about the future of their teamwork, EA Sports and FIFA couldn't agree on what's next. So, the deal, which was supposed to end after the 2022 World Cup, got an extension until the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2023. That extension includes one more edition of the game – FIFA 23.

Why did FIFA and EA Sports split?

The split between FIFA and EA Sports happened in 2022. The reason? They couldn't agree on a new deal. The old deal gave EA Sports the rights to FIFA's name, making it the big player in the soccer gaming world. However, according to Sports Pro Media, FIFA wanted more money from EA for using its famous name. EA wasn't up for that big of an investment, and the talks ended without a deal.

Now, as EA moves ahead with FC 24, FIFA is free to team up with other game makers. Right now, it's not clear if FIFA is talking to any other companies about making a new game.

Even though EA Sports FC 24 doesn’t have the FIFA name, it will still have lots of agreements with players, leagues, stadiums, and other official stuff. In a blog post, EA Sports said, “Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums, and 30 leagues that we’ve continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA Sports FC.” So, the game might look different, but it's still going to have all the things that make it feel real.

EA hinted that there's more to the change than just the name. They said in the blog, "This is much more than just a change of symbol - as EA Sports, we’re committed to ensuring EA Sports FC is a symbol of change." They want to invest in the sport and work with more partners to make the game better.