It’s probable that FIFA 23 will be released, but will it be called anything else?
FIFA 23 hasn’t been confirmed by EA yet, but the series’ yearly release timetable is so predictable that it seems like it’s just a matter of time.
However, the future of the game is less predictable, especially when it comes to its name.. According to EA Sports, the company is “exploring” the idea of rebranding the series. The new title’s identity is still a secret, but it would be a major change for the show. FIFA 23 may be the last game in the series to keep the FIFA moniker, according to a report from VGC in February 2022.
Rumors are circulating that the next game in the series – whatever it is named – will be free-to-play and enable cross-platform play. However, this hasn’t been verified, and it isn’t known for certain what FIFA 23 will do differently, if anything.
Keep reading to learn all we know about FIFA 23 until EA makes further formal announcements.
FIFA 23: cut to the chase
- What is it? The next entry in FIFA soccer sim series
- When can I play it? TBC 2022
- What can I play it on? TBC – but likely PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Switch and PC
THE DATE AND PLATFORMS FOR THE RELEASE OF FIFA 23
FIFA 23’s release date and platforms have not yet been announced by EA Sports.
As for the release date of the upcoming FIFA, we can make an informed prediction. Past FIFA games have come out in September and October, with FIFA 21 coming in October 2020 and FIFA 22 releasing September 26, 2021. We expect FIFA 23 to arrive in the same timeframe if EA follows the same release strategy.
On Xbox X, Xbox Series S, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch, FIFA 23 is expected to be released in early 2019. Microsoft Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Google Stadia are all possible platforms for the release of the next FIFA if it follows in the footsteps of its predecessor.
FIFA 23 or FIFA 24?
FIFA 23 may or may not have the ‘FIFA’ name at all.
As recently as October 2021, EA Sports said that it was “exploring” the potential of rebranding the FIFA video game franchise. The creators of FIFA 22 spoke about their future ambitions for the franchise in a blog post commemorating the game’s launch.
According to the blog post, “as we look ahead, we’re also exploring the idea of renaming our global EA Sports football games.” This indicates that “we’re reviewing our naming rights agreement with FIFA, which is separate from all our other official partnerships and licences throughout the football world.”
However, EA made it apparent that they are aware of the importance of branded tournaments and national leagues as well as globally-known teams, stadiums and players to the “authenticity” of FIFA games.
“We also believe that authenticity is crucial to the experience,” the blog post reads, citing years of creating our worldwide business. “The cumulative power of over 300 licenced partners gives us access to 17,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100 stadiums, and over 30 leagues throughout the globe.
Our game is the only place you can genuinely participate in the legendary UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, CONMEBOL Libertadores, Premier League, Bundesliga and LaLiga Santander, among others, since we continuously invest in relationships and licences that are most significant to players.
According to the blog post, the FIFA series’ naming rights are distinct from the company’s other formal agreements and licences, thus the game’s content should remain mostly unchanged except from a name change and the removal of prominent FIFA branding.
According to a VGC article from February 2022, FIFA 23 may be referred to as such, although it may be the last FIFA game to keep the FIFA moniker.
According to our best guess, the decision to delete the FIFA brand was made because EA presumably pays a lot of money to licence the FIFA name, which may have certain restrictions on what EA can and can’t do. This would likely save EA money and allow them greater flexibility.
EA CEO Andrew Wilson allegedly said in an internal meeting that going in a new path was a priority, according to a report from VGC “Our players may even benefit from abandoning those four letters.”
It’s unclear what the new name will be, however VGC noticed that EA has filed many trademark applications for ‘EA Sports FC,’ which may conceivably be a moniker that replaces FIFA, soon after EA revealed their study of a new title.
NEWS AND SUSPECTS RELATING TO THE UPCOMING GAME OF FOOTBALL
An “impediment” to EA’s FIFA licence is apparently claimed.
The reasons why EA might break ways with FIFA, according to EA CEO Andrew Wilson, were discussed in an internal meeting, according to a report from VGC. Wilson’s statements to the outlet were submitted anonymously.
EA has previously hinted at the possibility of separating from FIFA for their football games, and VGC has claimed that FIFA 23 might be the final game to wear the moniker.
Reporter VGC states it “understands EA is now preparing to release FIFA 23 and feature two FIFA World Cup competitions for the first time” in its report.
Apparently, Andrew Wilson advised EA staff that leaving FIFA may be good, according to the article. When asked about the FIFA brand, Wilson remarked, “I would argue—and this may be a bit biased—that it has more importance in the video gaming industry than it does as an organisation that governs soccer.” “We don’t take it for granted and we don’t attempt to be arrogant about it.” In order to ensure FIFA realise what we need for the future, we’ve worked really hard.
Most people no longer see the box since they purchase video games online, thus all we receive from FIFA in years other than World Cup years are the four letters on the front of the box.
EA’s connection with FIFA, according to Wilson, has been a “impediment” to the expansion of the games and the addition of new features. “It has been a battle to get FIFA to recognise the sorts of things that we want to develop, since they claim our licence only covers specific categories,” he says. “It has been a challenge to get FIFA to recognise the types of things that we want to make.”
According to the article, Wilson is unsure whether or not the firms will be able to come to an arrangement that continues their connection even if FIFA 23 will carry the brand name. In a statement, Wilson said, “We’re going to work through this, we’re going to be careful and we want to be good partners with FIFA, but I wouldn’t be shocked if we eventually go in a different way.” Ultimately, I believe it may be a better option for our gamers than continuing to use those four letters on the box.”
If so, what is the new name expected to be?
Multiple trademark applications for the term “EA Sports FC” were discovered by VGC, indicating that this might be the new name for “FIFA.” Immediately after EA Sports’ announcement that it was looking at rebranding, the applications were submitted on October 1st and October 4th, 2021, respectively.
Is it going to be free to play and cross-platform compatible?
Fifa 23 may be free to play and cross-platform compatible, according to well-known FIFA leaker Donk on Twitter. A handshake emoji and the phrase “crossplay” conclude the post, which ends with the hashtag #FIFA23.
Even if this is simply conjecture (or wishful thinking) from the leaker and EA Sports has not verified this, both would deliver the shakeup we’re looking for from FIFA’s next iteration.