Electronic Arts has announced that it has ended its partnership with FIFA, bringing an end to the popular video game series from 2023 onwards.
For the past 29 years, EA Sports and FIFA have worked to create the world's most recognisable football video game since the first version was released in 1993.
However, with the cost of the licensing agreement proving difficult to maintain, EA Sports will be moving forward with the new title "EA Sports FC" from next year.
"Our vision for EA SPORTS FC is to create the largest and most impactful football club in the world, at the epicentre of football fandom," EA chief executive Andrew Wilson said in a statement.
"For nearly 30 years, we've been building the world's biggest football community - with hundreds of millions of players, thousands of athlete partners, and hundreds of leagues, federations, and teams. EA SPORTS FC will be the club for every one of them, and for football fans everywhere."
The change is not expected to have a dramatic impact on the gameplay due to separate licensing agreements with clubs and leagues, with EA still retaining the rights to the UEFA Champions League, Europa League and Conference League content.
FIFA 23 will be the final instalment in the current series, which is due to be released on September 30.
Ben Knapton
