EA dropped a massive bombshell on their fanbase and the gaming community at large when they announced that they are reviewing their naming license agreement with FIFA. This essentially EA might be considering cutting ties with FIFA, meaning, going forward, the future games in EA’s annual football franchise might not have the branding that’s been somewhat instrumental in its success.
FIFA seems to be firing back some shots in their latest statement titled “FIFA set to widen gaming and esports portolio”. Immediately, the organization makes it clear that they aren’t averse to exploring relationships with developers and publishers apart from EA – “The future of gaming and eSports for football stakeholders must involve more than one party controlling and exploiting all rights”.
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FIFA and EA’s relationship is in a very weird place right now
The global football organization reiterates in their statement that they are quite excited about the future of gaming and esports for football, and that it needs to be a space occupied by more than one party. Which seems to be directly taking shots at EA and the almost monopolistic way in which it dominates the football gaming space.
“Consequently, FIFA is engaging with various industry players, including developers, investors and analysts, to build out a long-term view of the gaming, eSports and interactive entertainment sector.”
The organization seems to be already in conversation, or at least will be shortly, with major developers and publishers to see how the future of gaming and esports pans out. They also reiterate that gaming and esports are the fastest-growing media verticals on the planet and that it is imperative for FIFA to “maximize all future opportunities for football and gaming fans”.
Reports suggested that the football organization demanded over $1 billion per every World Cup cycle (4 years), in contrast to the current 10-year agreement that is worth $150 million, which expires in 2022.
