FIFA says it is open to working with other developers as EA’s relationship breaks down

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FIFA, football’s governing body, and the licencee behind the world’s largest sports game, has suggested it is open to working with new video game companies.

A new statement titled “FIFA set to expand gaming and esports portfolio” begins with the assertion that: “FIFA is optimistic and optimistic about its long-term future in gaming and esports after conducting a comprehensive and strategic assessment of the gaming and interactive entertainment market.”

In what can only be considered a live shot at EA, the post continues: “The future of gaming and esports for stakeholders in football must include more than one party that controls and exploits all rights.”

Referring to the possibility of working with other developers on the games, the statement adds: “Technology and mobile companies are now actively competing for association with FIFA and its global platforms and tournaments.”

The publication adds that “FIFA is engaging with many players in the industry, including developers, investors and analysts, to build a long-term vision for the gaming, esports and interactive entertainment sector.”

FIFA 22 Review – Video Version

Notably, FIFA 22, the newest game in the franchise, was not mentioned at all in the release.

This is the latest in a series of pronouncements between FIFA and EA, the developers of the FIFA video game that has dominated the soccer video game genre for decades.

On October 7, a press release from EA revealed that the publisher was reviewing its license agreement with FIFA. The statement notes that if the company cuts ties with FIFA and renames the series, it will still hold all league, player and stadium licenses as these are separate from the FIFA license.

“In the years of building our global franchise, we also know that authenticity is essential to experience,” the statement read.

“That’s why we focus so much energy on the collective strength of over 300 individual licensed partners that give us access to more than 17,000 athletes across 700+ teams, in 100 stadiums and over 30 championships around the world.

“We constantly invest in the most important partnerships and licenses for players, and for this reason, our game is the only place where you can play authentically in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga, LaLiga Santander, Among others”.

This was followed on October 11th by the news that EA had filed multiple trademark applications for “EA Sports FC”. It was also revealed that the publisher has extended its deal with FIFPro.

EA’s current ten-year FIFA naming agreement expires after the World Cup in Qatar next year.

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