The idea of EA renaming FIFA, one of the world’s most recognizable game franchises, seems insane, but it’s become a real possibility due to a financial dispute that has been raised between the publisher and international football association. According to a report from the New York Times, FIFA would like EA to pay it $1 billion for the privilege of using its name for each World Cup cycle. That implies a payout of $1 billion to FIFA every four years.
From NY Times:
At least two years of talks about renewing the contract that allows Electronic Arts, through its EA Sports division, to use the organization’s name have hit the wall, according to multiple people close to the negotiations. The possibility of a permanent break after next year’s World Cup in Qatar — when the current 10-year agreement ends — was made explicit in a letter released last week by Cam Weber, the executive president and general manager of EA Sports.
In it, Weber raised the unthinkable: FIFA without FIFA.
“As we look ahead,” Weber wrote in discussing the future of the series, “we’re also exploring the idea of renaming our global EA Sports football games.”
EA launched its latest FIFA title, FIFA 22, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PC via the EA App, Origin and Steam, Stadia, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on October 1. The PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Stadia versions feature a revolutionary new gameplay technology dubbed HyperMotion, which leverages machine learning technology to deliver a more realistic football experience.
Source: The New York Times