Why isn’t there a FIFA 24?

EA Sports FIFA 24 does not exist. You’re probably thinking something along the lines of “Dang, it’s the end of an era.” But before you get a little too dramatic, don’t worry. There will be a sequel to FIFA 23 coming out this year, albeit with a different title – EA Sports FC 24. This is set to release on the 29th of September this year on all major platforms. 

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For the hardcore fans of the franchise, this news isn’t that shocking especially if they have been following the reports from last year that EA was unable to reach a new licensing agreement with FIFA, football’s largest governing body in the world. The first ever FIFA-branded football (yes, it’s called FOOTBALL, not “soccer”) video game released by EA Sports was back in 1993. That’s a 30-year partnership between the two that has now sadly come to an end. 

I picked up my first FIFA game back in the late 2000’s. I haven’t looked back; purchasing every single iteration of the game up until FIFA 23. And as I am writing this, I’ve come to realize that I have spent a boatload of money on this franchise and that I took this title for granted. So I guess to some degree, it is the end of an era. 

What does that mean then for EA Sports moving forward? Well, the way I see it, not much really apart from the name change. The publisher still has its own licensing agreements with the various leagues and football clubs around the world, which means you’ll still be able to use your favorite players and teams – whether it’s Erling Haaland and treble-winning Manchester City or the pacey Kylian Mbappe and PSG, they’re here to stay in the game.

It does probably mean however, that you won’t be able to play the World Cup in-game. FIFA 23 allowed players to play as their favorite Men’s and Women’s FIFA World Cup teams and recreate the entire tournament altogether. You’ll probably still be able to use the international teams, but just not in any FIFA-named tournament like the World Cup.

Apart from these changes, it seems like it’s still the same game with some new features that usually accompany the release of a new game. If you want to know more about EA Sports FC 24, you can check out their website at https://www.ea.com/en-au/games/ea-sports-fc/fc-24. 

Only time will tell if the lack of the FIFA branding will have any negative effect whatsoever on EA Sports FC 24’s reception with gamers. Personally, I doubt it especially since EA Sports has been creating the most popular football game for the past three decades. 

However, there are rumors that FIFA themselves will be looking to release their own game that could possibly rival that of EA’s within the next few years. That is definitely something to look out for. As for me, I’ll probably be picking up FC24 when it comes out next month. And as for you, remember: It’s called FOOTBALL. 

Photos from EA Sports