EA Sports and FIFA , Sever Video Game Ties , After 2 Decades.
EA Sports and FIFA , Sever Video Game Ties , After 2 Decades.
The current deal between Electronic Arts (EA) and the organization that oversees all of soccer was set to end after the World Cup in Qatar.
It has been extended to encompass the Women's World Cup next summer.
After that, the FIFA video game will be rebranded as EA Sports FC.
The game has become a global phenomenon over the past decades, currently played by 150 million people.
While the nature of the game will not change much, the rebranding of a franchise equal to more than $20 billion in sales is significant.
If you’re breaking a relationship that goes back over 20 years there will be consequences, Gareth Sutcliffe, Enders Analysis, via 'The New York Times'.
The split is reportedly due to FIFA's monetary expectations as well as contractual differences.
It was really about how can we do more for the players, more for the fans, how can we offer them more modalities to play, , Andrew Wilson, EA Sports CEO, via 'The New York Times'.
... how can we bring more partners into the game, how can we expand beyond the bounds of the traditional game, Andrew Wilson, EA Sports CEO, via 'The New York Times'.
Analysts say that the bulk of the consequences of the split fall at the feet of FIFA.
EA will continue to motor on: , Gareth Sutcliffe, Enders Analysis, via 'The New York Times'.
They have got all the technological smarts, the creative implementation of an absolutely fantastic football game — and it really is fantastic.
, Gareth Sutcliffe, Enders Analysis, via 'The New York Times'.
But what do FIFA have?
Their name.
And then what?, Gareth Sutcliffe, Enders Analysis, via 'The New York Times'.
Despite the split, the companies may continue to work together when it comes to the World Cup.
We’d love to continue to represent the World Cup through the game, Andrew Wilson, EA Sports CEO, via 'The New York Times'
