The FIFA video game series by EA Sports ended because EA and FIFA could not agree on licensing fees. FIFA wanted to significantly increase the fees for the use of their brand, reportedly doubling the $150 million annual cost, which EA found unjustified given what they received in return. As a result, their licensing deal expired after nearly 30 years
. Following this split, EA rebranded their football game franchise as EA Sports FC starting in 2023, securing exclusive licenses directly from leagues like the Premier League, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and others, ensuring the continuation of authentic football content without the FIFA name
. Meanwhile, FIFA has expressed intentions to partner with a new developer to produce its own football game under the FIFA brand, aiming to maintain its presence in the gaming market, but as of now, no new FIFA game has been released, and FIFA's esports events are reportedly in disarray
. In summary:
- EA and FIFA parted ways due to a licensing fee dispute.
- EA stopped producing games under the FIFA name after FIFA 23.
- EA launched their own rebranded series called EA Sports FC, continuing the legacy with official licenses.
- FIFA plans to create a new game with a different developer but has yet to deliver one.
- EA's new game has maintained strong league and player licenses and continues to be popular despite the name change
