EA removes FIFA games from digital gaming stores as EA Sports FC 24 releases. To learn more about this move and the status of EA Sports and FIFA games, read on!
EA Sports FC 24 Takes Center Stage
In an unexpected move, Electronic Arts (EA) has decided to remove all previously labeled "FIFA" football games from digital stores. This unannounced pullout comes in conjunction with the release of EA’s new football game, EA Sports FC 24.
Access for Previous Owners, Digital Drought for Newcomers
There is good news for gamers who have already purchased the previous FIFA-labeled titles. You can still access and play the games you own. However, there is a digital drought for those who are new to the FIFA gaming experience and want to try the previous games. Newcomers cannot buy these older titles digitally.
However, these old games can be accessed via EA’s paid game subscription, EA Play.
The End of a Long-Running Partnership
One of the most significant factors behind this decision is the end of the long-running partnership between EA and FIFA. The FIFA name has been synonymous with EA’s football video game series for years. This partnership, which went as far back as FIFA International Soccer in 1993, has now ended.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, via the FIFA official news website, says, "I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans. The FIFA name is the only global, original title."
FIFA announced in 2022 that they are "currently engaging with leading game publishers, media companies and investors in regard to the development of a major new FIFA simulation football game title for 2024." However, no official game release announcement has been made as of this writing.
