License benefits are one of the key factors that keep EA’s dominance of football games. But it seems FIFA has some issues with the game giant. After the news that “FIFA 22 may be EA’s last FIFA branded game”, new developments are taking place. Eurogamer states that FIFA has issued a statement insisting, in a not-so-subtle reference to EA, that football games and eSports should have multiple parties “controlling and exercising all rights”. According to this statement, FIFA is in talks with developers, investors and other groups to “expand” its gaming and eSports options. In other words, it does not want to limit licensing to a single company.
The organization adds that this will help “maximize all future opportunities.” It also reaffirms its commitment to organizing eSports tournaments under the FIFAe brand.
The announcement comes at a crucial moment for both EA and FIFA. EA’s current licensing agreement expires after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and New York Times sources claim talks between the two sides have stalled. FIFA reportedly wants to more than double the current fee it receives from EA (more than $1 billion over four years) while also seeking to limit EA’s rights to continue video games.
In the meantime, it is said that EA is considering new names for the football game. It also explores new concepts such as arena-based tournaments, NFTs, and even hotspots for real-world games.
According to The Times, the final decision is expected at the end of 2021, but EA aims to reduce its risk by registering an “EA Sports FC” trademark. EA and FIFA have not commented on the talks.
In this sense, FIFA’s statement can serve as a warning to its own will or to terminate the license. While EA’s current presence could help sell an unlicensed game, it’s easy to imagine that an overall game will cause them to lose players hoping to control Mbappé or Messi at real clubs. However, although EA is aware of the danger, we certainly cannot say that it will accept FIFA’s requests.
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