Brushing aside concerns of a make-or-break rebrand, EA Sports FC 24 became the quintessential footy game upon its release last year, but it may have some competition on its hands very soon.
If the rumour mill is to be believed, the game everyone thought was the successor to FIFA is set to be challenged by, um, FIFA. Yes, international football’s governing body is working on its own football game in a bid to recapture the crown from EA after the erstwhile partners fell out over a licensing dispute.
So, can FIFA win back the ball from EA or is it about to score an own goal? Here’s everything we know about the FIFA game, including its possible developer and release date.
Speculation is rife that FIFA has picked the studio it wants to make its EA Sports FC killer and could even drop the game in the coming months.
Earlier this year, a well-known gaming leaker known as Zuby-Tech claimed 2K Sports, creator of the NBA 2K series, had taken the lead on the next FIFA title. It seems that Zuby, who previously leaked the PlayStation Portal handheld, may have been on to something as the rumour has been corroborated by a separate source.
More recently, a Ghanian video game retailer called Mohplay Inc tweeted: “2K has secured the official license from FIFA to create the next FIFA video game!”
Although it originally claimed that FIFA 2K25 was set to land this year, it later clarified that the info was based on industry speculation and not verified information.
To add fuel to the fire, the latest chatter suggests the newcomer will feature FIFA’s 35-plus leagues and 800-plus teams, which was to be expected from a fully licensed footy game.
It’s probably best to take the scuttlebutt with a grain of salt. First of all, nobody in their right mind would expect FIFA to release a video game in such a short development timeline. Launching it closer to the 2026 World Cup seems more realistic.
Saying that, 2K is a no-brainer for the top job. Outside of EA, there are few studios with as excellent a pedigree in sports video games. The developer’s other titles include the MLB 2K series, as well as the PGA Tour series. A football game would slot nicely into its line-up.
Then again, FIFA could stun the industry by teaming with EA’s long-time rival Konami instead, which would essentially mean it slapping the FIFA badge on a Pro-Evolution Soccer game. But that’s probably too crazy to happen.
What has FIFA said about its new game?
For its part, FIFA has issued several statements championing its planned video game series after ending its long-standing partnership with EA Sports.
“We will develop a new e-game. The football simulation game is called FIFA for hundreds of millions of children worldwide,” he said.
“When they play a football simulation game, they play FIFA. We are developing new partners and a new game, and, as with everything we do, it will be the best.”
Infantino had previously promised fans in March 2022 that the FIFA-branded game would be the go-to option, declaring: “I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that bears the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans. The FIFA name is the only global, original title.”