FIFA has parted ways with long-time publisher EA Sports, and is now looking for new publishers for its ultra-popular gaming franchise. Over the past three decades, FIFA titles have ruled the sports genre, selling millions of copies worldwide and creating one of the largest fanbases in gaming. However, with the dissolution of the EA Sports partnership, future FIFA titles have the potential to now rival EA Sports with a different publisher. With FIFA 23 slated to release this year and mark the end of the EA Sports-FIFA partnership, fans are wondering where the soccer governing body will look for future titles.
There are many top publishers that could potentially pick up the FIFA license and release a game that can rival EA Sports' future soccer titles. From industry giants, to publishers that have released soccer games in the past, FIFA has many avenues it can take; not only releasing its next line of games, but also improving on what has already released.
2K Sports
Arguably EA Sports’ biggest rivals, 2K Sports have found massive success with franchises like NBA 2K and WWE 2K, with its most recent installments being some of the best games released by the publisher. While 2K Sports have not had an easy road, they have proven that even if they release a game that fans are not happy with, they are able to turn it around and make significant changes to ensure that each game gives fans exactly what they are looking for. This was most noticeable with WWE 2K22, where 2K Sports decided to take a year off from the annual release schedule to ensure the game was good for players.
The recent FIFA titles have been plagued with issues put forward by the fans, particularly regarding the offline game modes. 2K Sports have proven that they are not only capable of making great games, but will also do whatever it takes to ensure the best game is released. Where EA Sports faltered in the last decade, 2K Sports can shine through, thanks to its innovative methods and its ability to ensure that only the best product will be released. Having a publisher that is not afraid to skip a title to resolve any issues is never a bad thing, after all.
Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony is one of the biggest names in gaming, and is known for releasing some of the greatest exclusives in each console generation. While working with San Diego Studios on MLB The Show, Sony has proven that it is capable of publishing sports games that are both entertaining, and great to look at. A Sony-FIFA partnership could shake up the sports gaming genre.
Sony Interactive Entertainment also has the backing of numerous developers that have consistently put out fantastic games thanks to its in-house talent. Gaining the FIFA partnership would also mean that the game will likely become a PlayStation exclusive, meaning games could be developed with the capabilities of the PlayStation 5 in mind. The focus on next-gen games and the brilliant track record that Sony has in publishing games makes them a good match for the FIFA license.
Xbox Game Studios
On the other hand, Xbox Game Studios could also be a great spot for the soccer game to turn to, especially with the rising popularity of Game Pass. With both Sony and Xbox now starting to acquire more studios and titles for exclusivity, Xbox will likely look towards FIFA to bolster its already impressive lineup. On top of this, including a title like FIFA on Game Pass as a day-one release, will bring more people to the subscription service and give them a larger variety of games with single-year releases like FIFA World Cup.
Like Sony, Xbox Game Studios also has great partnerships with some of the best developers that could excel at creating a FIFA title. Using its resources and expertise, not just in publishing and marketing but also in development, Xbox Game Studios could be the ideal partnership for FIFA. Game Pass alone would be great for FIFA, as it would provide a platform through which future titles can compete against EA Sports.
FIFA 23 is slated to release sometime this year. However, following its release, EA Sports has confirmed that it will continue to release soccer games under the name EA Sports FC. As FIFA picks out a new publisher, it will need a partner that can compete with EA Sports and remain consistent with releases. While Xbox and Sony will be great publishers thanks to each organization's massive reputation and resources, 2K Sports is the most likely candidate for the FIFA partnership thanks to its experience. Whatever the case may be, FIFA’s next publisher will have to come out of the gate swinging to maintain the massive fan base around soccer games.
FIFA 23 is in development for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.