From FIFA to EA Sports FC

For three decades, the name FIFA was synonymous with football video games. It was a yearly ritual for millions of fans: the new cover athlete, the updated rosters, and the chance to live out their football fantasies on a digital pitch. But in 2022, a shocking announcement changed everything: EA and FIFA, the two giants behind the world's most popular sports game franchise, were parting ways. The era of the FIFA video game was over, and a new one, under the banner of EA Sports FC, was set to begin. This is the story of that transition, from the iconic FIFA brand to its bold new successor.

The Dynasty of FIFA

For many, it's hard to imagine a time before EA's FIFA series dominated the football gaming landscape. Launched in 1993, FIFA International Soccer stood out from its rivals with an isometric camera view and, most importantly, the official license from the real-world governing body, FIFA. This allowed EA to use real team names, kits, and later, the official names and likenesses of thousands of players.

Over the years, the franchise grew into a global juggernaut. It pioneered features like 3D graphics, motion-captured player movements, and robust career modes. The introduction of FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) in FIFA 09 changed the game forever. This card-collecting mode, which allowed players to build their dream squads, became a massive revenue driver for EA and a central pillar of the franchise's identity. By the time FIFA 23 was released, the game was a global phenomenon, with a passionate community and a firm hold on the market.

The Great Split

The decision for the long-standing partnership to end was a bitter one, largely driven by money. While the FIFA name was iconic, the licensing deal was becoming increasingly expensive for EA. Reports indicated that FIFA wanted to double its licensing fee, from a staggering $150 million to $300 million per year. For EA, which already held separate, long-term licensing deals with leagues like the Premier League, LaLiga, and the Bundesliga, the FIFA brand name was becoming a luxury they felt they no longer needed. They had the players, the teams, the stadiums—the essence of the game—and believed they could succeed on their own. The split was officially announced, and FIFA 23 was released as the final game under the historic brand name.

A New Chapter: EA Sports FC

The inaugural EA Sports FC title, EA Sports FC 24, arrived with a heavy weight of expectation. The most pressing question for fans was simple: would it feel the same?

The answer was, for the most part, yes. EA was able to retain its vast network of licenses, meaning the player names, teams, and leagues fans were used to were all present. But beneath the surface, EA took the opportunity to introduce some key innovations. The new HyperMotionV technology, for example, captured real-world player movements to create more authentic animations and gameplay. A new PlayStyles system gave elite players unique abilities that mirrored their real-life counterparts, adding a new layer of strategy. Perhaps the most significant change was the integration of women's leagues into Ultimate Team. For the first time, players could create hybrid squads with both male and female athletes, a move that was praised for its inclusivity and for expanding the pool of available players.

The series continued this evolution with EA Sports FC 25 and is now gearing up for the next chapter with EA Sports FC 26, set for release on September 26, 2025. The upcoming title is built on an overhauled gameplay experience powered by community feedback, featuring two distinct gameplay presets: "Competitive" for faster-paced head-to-head action, and "Authentic" for a true-to-football feel in Career Mode. It also introduces a new "Archetypes" system for player progression and more ways to compete in Ultimate Team with tournaments and live events. This consistent innovation proves EA's commitment to evolving the franchise independently, leveraging its freedom from the FIFA licensing agreement.

The Future of EA SPORTS FC

The transition from FIFA to EA Sports FC was a major gamble for EA. Initial sales for EA Sports FC 24 were down slightly compared to FIFA 23, but this was largely expected due to the name change and the high sales of the final FIFA title. Despite this, the game was a critical and commercial success, proving that the franchise's brand power was tied more to its developer, EA, than to the FIFA name itself.

The future of the new franchise looks bright. With the freedom to innovate without the constraints of the FIFA licensing agreement, EA can continue to invest in new features, expand into new markets, and build on its core strengths. As the "EA Sports FC" brand becomes more established, it will continue to write its own history, leaving the iconic FIFA brand as a powerful but now-closed chapter in gaming's past.