EA SPORTS and FIFA: is the end of the collaboration?
After almost 30 years, the collaboration between eSports giant EA SPORTS and FIFA could apparently come to an end.
Apparently the end of an era is looming in eSports: game manufacturer EA SPORTS has been bringing a new version of the football simulation FIFA onto the market every year since 1993. But that could soon be over.
The world association announced in an official statement that it wanted to expand its own gaming and eSports portfolio. “The future of gaming and eSports for football players must comply with more than one party that controls and exploits all rights,” the statement said.
The exclusive contract with game manufacturer EA SPORTS and the world association expires in 2022. Recently, plans to rename the famous football simulation by EA SPORTS had fueled speculation about an end to the collaboration.
FIFA probably collects 85 million euros a year from EA SPORTS
“Looking ahead, we are also looking into the idea of renaming our EA SPORTS global football games. This means we are reviewing our naming rights agreement with FIFA, which is separate from all our other official partnerships and licenses in the football world.” According to a press release from EA SPORTS.
A report from Daily Mail According to the world association FIFA collects around 85 million euros a year from EA SPORTS for using the name.
As FIFA also announced, international technology and mobile communications companies are now competing for FIFA rights. The world association works with various players in the industry, such as developers, investors and analysts, to develop a long-term perspective for gaming, eSports and interactive entertainment.