FIFA is now planning to end its long-standing exclusive partnership with Electronic Arts.
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In a statement issued by the organization, FIFA says it is reassessing its approach to esports and the gaming industry, hoping to look beyond EA Sports to broaden its horizons and give football fans more specialized experiences. “ Gaming and eSports are the fastest-growing media verticals on the planet, with new and diverse types of games being launched all the time,” it wrote. “Therefore, it is vital for FIFA and its stakeholders to maximize all future opportunities for football and gaming fans.”
To this end, FIFA is in discussions with numerous companies in the gaming, technology and mobile industries to create a landscape where more than just EA has full rights to its licensing. “FIFA is optimistic and excited about the future of football gaming and esports and it is clear that this should be a space occupied by more than one party controlling all rights,” the statement said. “Technology and mobile companies are now actively competing to connect with FIFA, its platforms and global tournaments. Accordingly, FIFA is working with various industry players, including developers, investors and analysts, to create a long-term view of the gaming, esports and interactive entertainment sector.”.
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While EA has not responded to FIFA's new statement, the gaming company has long been looking elsewhere to continue the legacy of the soccer game as talks have reached an impasse. Earlier this month, a post from EA Sports CEO Cam Weber revealed that the company was "exploring the idea of rebranding global soccer competitions EA Sports," and the developer has since trademarked "EA Sports FC.".
Information source: hypebeast.com
