FIFA 22: The dispute between EA and FIFA is not about football or gaming – it’s about big money
EA’s FIFA series is being rebranded after almost 30 years. At the same time, FIFA (i.e. the association) is planning a competing product. FIFA and Electronics Arts talk about authenticity and new football experiences – but is that really the most important factor? MeinMMO author Max Handwerk has doubts.
Here’s what’s going on at EA: It will be over in the summer of 2023: FIFA as we know it will no longer exist. Well, more or less at least. At least that’s what the announcement from EA Sports reads.
Instead of “FIFA”, players should play “EA Sports FC” from summer 2023. The new variant of the football simulation, which should contain “everything” that you love about its “games”: modes, real players and teams, stadiums, leagues and so on – everything should stay on board (via EA.com). It is also fitting that a long-term agreement has been reached with the license partner FIFPRO.
At the same time, EA emphasizes that it shouldn’t just be a symbolic upheaval, but an actual new beginning. The “independent platform” would bring “fresh opportunities”. Investments are being made in sport and more and more partners are working on new, authentic experiences.
EA Sports FC will then bring “joy, inclusion and immersion to a global community of fans” from 2023. However, no innovation is specifically named, this should only happen after FIFA 23.
That’s why the whole thing reads at least a bit like the old chocolate bar advertisement: “Raider is now called Twix, otherwise nothing will change.”
This is what FIFA is doing now: FIFA (i.e. the world soccer association) directly countered this and published a press release stating that they would now produce new soccer video games (yes, plural) themselves with external studios and publishers. Some “non-simulation based” games are already in production and will be released later this year in the run-up to the World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino also spoke in the statement, emphasizing:
I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that bears the FIFA name will be the best available for gamers and football fans. The FIFA name is the only global, original title. FIFA 23, FIFA 24, FIFA 25 and FIFA 26 and so on – the constant is the FIFA name and it will forever remain and remain THE BEST.”
via fifa.com
Again, the word “authentic” is used – and that’s no wonder. Finally, the aspect that the FIFA series has always had a large proportion of real-life players and clubs was a key advantage over long-time competitor Pro Evolution Soccer.
It is not surprising that both sides now present themselves as the “authentic” representative who wants to offer the best football experience in the virtual space.
But if you look at the history of the dispute, it becomes clear that it is not about authenticity, gaming or football itself.
It’s more like “the great soccer video game” is a particularly delicious cake that both of them think they’re not getting enough of.
What role does money play in this dispute?
Who is actually arguing? Both parties who are tinkering with football video games have each been criticized for a long time when it comes to the topic of money.
- EA Sports is regularly criticized for its Ultimate Team practices. Packs with random players are sold here, which can also be paid for with real money. There is no guarantee of strong players who will advance you in the game – the chances are actually rather bad. Nevertheless, Ultimate Team makes an incredible amount of money year after year. There is also the purchase price for FIFA. Every year, EA releases a new version of the series as a full-price game.
- FIFA, as the world football association, is criticized by many football fans for massively promoting the commercialization of football. For example, the controversial World Cup award to Qatar, but also points such as corruption scandals play a role.
What are the reasons for the separation? In the official statements of both sides, there is little about the reasons why they prefer to continue without each other in the future. But in the past few weeks and months, aspects have repeatedly come to light that are said to have contributed to this.
- It all started in autumn 2021, when EA Sports publicly considered renaming the series and no longer using the FIFA license in the future. According to New York Times FIFA is said to have demanded double the price for the license at the time – around one billion dollars for 4 years, instead of the previous 500 million.
- In addition, FIFA is said to want to limit the opportunities for making money within the games and keep exclusive rights, while EA wanted to include more opportunities for monetization.
- Alleged statements by EA boss Andrew Wilson from an internal meeting later came to light. The page VGC reported at the time that according to anonymous sources, Wilson emphasized that FIFA would restrict him. For example, no modes are possible that go beyond 11vs11. In addition, one should not expand the “digital ecosystem” – for example through partnerships with companies like Nike. Because FIFA, in turn, has a partnership with Adidas.
- In addition, Wilson is said to have believed that in years without a World Cup, the FIFA license would only provide “four letters on the pack”.
- Wilson emphasized again and again that their own players are actually pushing EA to integrate even more brands.
In the course of the “EA Sports FC” announcement, for example, it is noticeable that Nike, in addition to many football clubs, has now explicitly announced a connection with the “new” football series:
FIFA, on the other hand, emphasizes in its latest announcement: “The sector of interactive games and e-sports is on an unprecedented path of growth and diversification. FIFA’s strategy aims to make the most of all future opportunities and ensure a wide range of products and opportunities for players, fans, member associations and partners” (via FIFA.com).
This statement also sounds quite “economical” at first – and not like a football or gaming heart.
What does all this mean for the soccer gaming world? Let’s imagine the ideal case for a moment: It’s not about the money at all. Or at least not only. In the best-case scenario, with FIFA, EA is no longer the sole top dog that can rest because no one is ever dangerous. Instead, he now has a strong competitor – and with “EA Sports FC” EA has to deliver a really good, fair game with many innovations. Because otherwise the customers simply buy “FIFA 24”, which is no longer distributed by EA.
FIFA, on the other hand, delivers a strong game – and for years we get a competition of motivated developers who try to outdo each other with their games. And because that’s not enough, newcomers UFL and a resurgent Pro Evolution Soccer are also joining in to heat up the competition. Of course that would be great.
But the opposite could also be the case. EA saves the FIFA license, but can continue as usual and provide the game with even more monetization. Then maybe shot boost Nike shoes will be sold in addition to strong players in the game, who knows.
FIFA, on the other hand, delivers a game that has licenses, but not much else. That’s called FIFA 24 or FIFA 25 and makes all sorts of people buy the wrong game but don’t get what they expect. Because you have to say it: Either way, the football game world could get pretty confusing in the future.
Here we have to wait and see – and hope that both sides are willing to deliver an exciting, cool game. Rather than one designed solely for maximum profit.
What do you think of the change? What are you hoping for? Tell us in the comments! And if you want to try FIFA: FIFA 22 is on PS Plus right now.
Reference-mein-mmo.de
