Soccer may not attract the most eyes in North America, but around the world, “football” is massively popular. That fame translates to EA’s FIFA franchise, which sold 14.5 million units worldwide just last year. Because of the series’ wild success, EA has decided to extend its existing licensing agreement until December 31, 2022.
Under this agreement, EA Sports will maintain exclusive rights to release FIFA-branded video games for almost another 10 years. Also, the company holds exclusive rights to produce and release the official FIFA World Cup game, along with keeping its status as a partner of the FIFA Interactive World Cup.
“EA SPORTS released the first FIFA-branded soccer game in 1993, and 20 years later our partnership with FIFA continues to be very strong,” said Andrew Wilson, executive vice president EA Sports. “Our franchise has become the benchmark for quality and innovation in the sports videogame genre, and we look forward to many more years of connecting with consumers around the world with our games carrying the prestigious FIFA name.”
More than 65 million games of FIFA are played each and every week, and this franchise also has the right to call itself the most critically acclaimed sports franchise on the market. So, this deal makes plenty of sense.
“Our relationship with EA SPORTS is of high importance to FIFA,” said Jérôme Valcke, FIFA secretary general. “The FIFA videogames are a key experiential component in our work to communicate the FIFA brand and its values all over the world. This is highlighted by the 2.5 million football fans that have competed in this year’s FIFA Interactive World Cup, which is just one example of the power of our partnership with EA.”
This year's game, FIFA 14, is expected to launch in North America Sept. 24.
