EA Sports is still in the Game
Electronic Arts is set to launch their fresh title EA Sports FC 24 this year, replacing the traditional FIFA series.
In May 2022, EA Sports announced the end of its 30-year partnership with FIFA, the highest governing body of football, which is set to be replaced by EA Sports FC 24. This news shook fans of both football and the game. FIFA had demanded double its $150 million licensing fee for Electronic Arts to continue using its name. Meanwhile, EA was beginning to question what it was actually receiving for that money.
EA Sports is a division of Electronic Arts, one of the most prominent video game developers and publishers in the world. Additionally EA Sports and FIFA are culturally famous for making the world’s most successful sports game, entitled FIFA and for its iconic intro: “E-A Sports, It’s in the game”.
What does this separation between EA and FIFA mean moving forward?
FUNDAMENTALLY SIMILAR
It appears that all that was changing was the title. Nothing significantly sets the new EA Sports FC 24 game apart from the previous FIFA games. Instead, fans should expect quality of life improvements besides a few gameplay tweaks. This game very much looks and feels like a FIFA 24.
However, EA Sports FC 24 aims to offer something new. In its trailer, the company unveiled Hypermotion V, which is a motion capture system that uses machine learning and massive amounts of real life date to help create more realistic animations and player movements. This technology will allow players to experience a more immersive and incredibly realistic gameplay. This also means new animations including spectacular volleys, iconic celebrations will also be more accurate than ever.
EA Sports FC 24 will include more than 30 leagues, with over 700 teams and at least 19,000 players. It will also feature 100 stadiums, including well-known competitions like the Champions League, Premier League (England), Bundesliga (Germany), and La Liga (Spain). Eight individual clubs have already confirmed their involvement in EA Sports FC even before the release of FIFA 23.
David Jackson, the vice president of EA Sports, insists that the switch to a new format will not be detrimental for long-time fans. “Players will only notice two things they’ll miss: the name and a World Cup piece of content every four years,” he says.
Every year, EA sells hundreds of millions of copies of the traditional FIFA series. However, charging fans annually for incremental gameplay improvements and new rosters has been a source of frustration for many. Additionally, the game has come under fire for the loot box mechanics of Ultimate Team, as EA has attempted to earn more money from them.
EA Sports has partnered with dotSWOOSH for their new title, which promises to offer a fresh experience to football fans. dotSWOOSH is a Web3 community named after Nike’s logo that is offering its first Polygon-based digital products on its dedicated platform. In a nutshell, Web3 refers to the latest generation of the internet and it is a fairly new technology that aims to decentralize data, giving users greater control and ownership over their digital identity and possessions without going through a middleman.
This new collaboration with Nike sits directly at the intersection of innovation, sport, and culture.
Thanks to these partnerships, EA Sports FC 24 will provide a new and unique experience, different from the traditional FIFA series. EA Sports aims to offer young gamers more opportunities for self-expression, co-creation, and customization. With their partnership with dotSWOOSH, players can look forward to a unique experience that allows them to design their own Nike boots and other digital creations for the game. They can also unlock virtual rewards and see their favorite athletes wearing their designs in-game. These possibilities are sure to excite fans and provide a more immersive experience.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the separation between EA and FIFA signifies a new era for both parties to grow independently and potentially revolutionize their offerings. EA’s recent moves, such as the partnership with the Premier League and dotSWOOSH for the EA Sports FC 24 title, seem to be heading in a fresh and exciting direction for football fans worldwide.
