The football season is set to kick off on September 27th, but it’s not the action on the grass that’s drawing attention—it’s the launch of the latest installment of the world’s most popular football video game. Formerly known as “FIFA” since its introduction in 1993, the franchise has been a powerhouse in the gaming world, selling close to 30 million copies annually. The game, which includes in-game purchases, generates over $3 billion in yearly revenue, according to analysis by MoffettNathanson. This revenue accounts for nearly two-thirds of the profits for its publisher, Electronic Arts (EA), making it one of the gaming industry’s most significant titles.
However, the game experienced a major shift a year ago when EA renamed it to “EA Sports FC.” This change came after a breakdown in negotiations with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport’s governing body. FIFA had significantly increased its licensing fee demands, previously around $150 million annually, which led EA to undertake what Andrea Hopelain, the head of EA’s sports-game publishing, described as “one of the biggest rebrands in entertainment history.” This strategic pivot marks a new era for the beloved game, continuing its legacy under a new banner.
