FIFA 23 will be released this year, in what will be the final EA Sports FIFA title following EA Sports and FIFA ending their partnership.
Electronic Arts (EA) and FIFA confirmed that their lucrative partnership will end following the launch of FIFA 23 after both parties failed to reach an agreement after 30 years of working together. FIFA 23 will be the last EA Sports FIFA game, with EA Sports also confirming that they will launch a new gaming title called EA Sports FC, which will be the successor to EA Sports' FIFA series.
EA Sports confirmed popular game modes such as Ultimate Team and Pro Clubs will feature on future EA Sports FC titles, and the game will feature fully licensed players from the most popular leagues in the world. EA Sports also trialled crossplay on FIFA 22 in May which could be a sign that the feature is set to be introduced in FIFA 23.
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EA Sports confirmed they have agreements in place with over 19,000 athletes, 700 teams, 100 stadiums and more than 30 leagues for future EA Sports FC titles after FIFA 23 is released later this year. Meanwhile, FIFA has confirmed that they will continue to operate in the gaming market and launch new football video games, developed with third-party studios and publishers, apparently to provide more choice for football and gaming fans.
In relation to the FIFA name, the governing body of association football has also confirmed that they are still planning to launch FIFA 24, FIFA 25 and even a FIFA 26 in the future, stating that it will "remain forever". So, when will FIFA 23 be released?
And, what features will be available on FIFA 23? Here is the latest news and updates regarding FIFA 23.
When will FIFA 23 be released?
EA Sports have a history of releasing FIFA titles on the final Friday in September, with the exception of FIFA 21 (October 6, 2022), which was released in October. FIFA 23 is expected to be released on Friday, September 30, 2022, with nothing set to change in regards to the experience for players compared to previous FIFA titles.
Players who pre-order the game are likely to receive early access to FIFA 23 which could allow them to play the game on Monday, September 26, 2022 . EA Play offers FIFA fans a 10-hour trial that players can access a week prior to pre-order early access for those who bought special editions of the game.
In this case, if you have an EA Play subscription, players are expected to be able to play their 10-hour trial of FIFA 23 from Monday, September 19, 2022.
What features will FIFA 23 have?
FIFA 23 could feature crossplay across all game modes for the first time in FIFA franchise history after EA Sports confirmed a crossplay trial on online seasons within FIFA 22 in May. The feature allows players on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC/Stadia to play against players across different platforms.
It is yet to be seen whether this feature will work adequately in FIFA's popular game mode Ultimate Team as the game features individual transfer markets depending on what platform players use. There could also be new features added to game modes such as Career Mode, Pro Clubs and Volta Football for FIFA 23.
According to leaks on social media, Career Mode could be set to feature a 'Stadium Builder and Editor'. This feature would allow players to customise their stadiums in more depth, similar to FIFA Ultimate Team, making Career Mode feel more personal and unique.
What we know about EA Sports FC so far
EA Sports confirmed popular game modes such as Ultimate Team and Pro Clubs will feature on future EA Sports FC titles, and the game will feature fully licensed players from the most popular leagues in the world, with over 19,000 athletes, 700 teams, 100 stadiums and more than 30 leagues for future EA Sports FC titles.
Mirror Football reported previously that EA Sports are still planning to release FIFA 23 this year and that the huge gaming franchise could be set to end soon, following comments made by EA's CEO Andrew Wilson to employees. In comments provided anonymously to VGC, Wilson told employees in an internal meeting in November that "the FIFA brand has more meaning as a video game than it does a governing body of soccer" and that "what we get from FIFA in a non-World Cup year is the four letters on the front of the box".
Wilson also claimed that the FIFA licence has been an '"impediment" to EA Sports in regards to the growth of their franchise and that "FIFA is just the name on the box, but they’ve precluded our ability to be able to branch into the areas that players want.”
FIFA has confirmed that they will be launching an unspecified number of new games in 2022 and 2023. FIFA has also confirmed that they are currently engaging with leading game publishers, media companies and investors in regards to the development of a major new FIFA simulation football game title, expected to be FIFA 24.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was bullish about the prospects of FIFA games moving forwards without EA Sports. Infantino said: "I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one 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 remain forever and remain THE BEST. The interactive gaming and esports sector is on a path of unrivalled growth and diversification.
"FIFA’s strategy is to ensure we can make the most of all future options and ensure a wide range of products and opportunities for gamers, fans, member associations and partners.”
Could the failure to renew the license agreement with FIFA lead to a poorer quality game? Could it lead to a potential loss of income for EA Sports?
Do you think FIFA 23 will be a success? Let us know in the comments below!
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