The FIFA series has been part of the gaming industry for 30 years, but 2023 will mark a change in direction for the iconic football franchise with the launch of EA Sports FC 24.
EA Sports’ decision to sever ties with FIFA was sparked by the governing body’s attempts to significantly ramp up the cost of licensing their branding.
FIFA reportedly wanted EA to more than double its $150 million annual licensing fee to continue using its name for the video game.
EA were prepared to agree to an increase, but FIFA’s insistence on being allowed to license its name to other digital products proved to be a bridge too far.
They subsequently announced they will develop their own game, but may find it difficult to knock EA off their perch in this sector.
This situation is similar to Sports Interactive splitting with Eidos after successfully establishing the Championship Manager series.
Sports Interactive retained the game’s database and match engine, created Football Manager and established it as a global phenomenon.
With EA maintaining its relationships with more than 300 license partners, their newly-branded game will remain as authentic as it has ever been.
Read on as we take a closer look at EA Sports FC 24 including details about the release date, teams, leagues, rumours, leaks and more.
EA FC Launch & Release Date
EA launched a first look at the new game in early April, revealing its new brand vision, identity and logo.
“We’re building on 30 years of leadership and history, creating experiences that bring the global football community together, and continuing to take it into a fan-first future,” said EA’s Nick Wlodyka.
“EA Sports FC will be a symbol for the sport, a symbol of innovation and change, and we’re energised to show our fans more about the future in July.”
Fans can pre-order the game at easports.com/fc – it will be launched on September 29, with the Ultimate Edition available to play seven days earlier.
EA FC Teams & Leagues
EA has retained numerous partnerships with major football competitions including the Champions League, Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga and Serie A.
The company has kept its licensing portfolio of ‘more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues’, which will be music to the ears of fans of the game.
While numerous clubs worldwide shared the news about FC 24, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain were a notable exception.
PSG were not featured in the official unveiling of the game, which showcased the logos and colours of more than 100 teams.
The French club failed to share EA’s announcement on any of their social channels, which sparked plenty of debate about their relationship with the firm.
While the situation with PSG is yet to be resolved, EA has agreed a bumper deal for a new exclusive license with the Premier League.
The multi-year agreement will see the EA Sports FC title serve as the league’s lead partner and official licensee.
EA FC Features & Leaks
There were previously plenty of rumours and leaks about the FIFA series and FC 24 has been no different in that respect. Here’s a look at some of the confirmed new features and improvements:
- Improved Career Mode
- Ballon d’Or Awards
- More realistic player animations
- Playstyles
- Enhanced Women’s Football
- Ultimate Team crossovers for men and women
- More dynamic Ultimate Team ratings
- Player Agents for Player Mode
- Hire your own backroom staff in Manager Mode
- Female Icons added
EA FC Ultimate Team
EA Sports FC 24 will include the hugely popular Ultimate Team feature, although it may receive a reboot now FIFA is out of the picture.
One issue centres around the monetisation aspect, with some jurisdictions concerned that purchasing FUT packs is too closely aligned with gambling.
EA will likely introduce more transparency around the functionality of this game mode by putting more stringent age restriction controls in place.
Crossovers between men’s and women’s football have been confirmed, meaning you can have Haaland and Kerr in the same Ultimate Team.
