FIFA and Netflix Launch Soccer Video Game Ahead of 2026 World Cup
- FIFA is venturing into game publishing with a new soccer title slated for Netflix in 2024, marking a meaningful step following its separation from long-time partner EA Sports.
- The partnership between FIFA and EA Sports, which produced the globally popular FIFA video game series for nearly three decades, ended in 2022.
- Following the split,EA rebranded its soccer franchise as 'EA FC' [EA News].
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FIFA to Launch Video Game on Netflix, Expanding Beyond EA sports Split
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FIFA is venturing into game publishing with a new soccer title slated for Netflix in 2024, marking a meaningful step following its separation from long-time partner EA Sports. The move signals FIFA’s ambition to reclaim a prominent position in the simulation gaming market.
Last updated: December 26, 2023, 02:50:15 AM PST
the EA Sports-FIFA Split
The partnership between FIFA and EA Sports, which produced the globally popular FIFA video game series for nearly three decades, ended in 2022. The breakdown stemmed from disagreements over licensing terms. According to reports, EA considered FIFA’s proposed terms too restrictive, while FIFA reportedly sought to double its licensing fee to US$1 billion [Sportspro].
Following the split,EA rebranded its soccer franchise as ‘EA FC’ [EA News]. FIFA, in turn, has focused on developing its own gaming portfolio, launching a range of online and mobile titles and expressing its intent to re-enter the simulation game space.
FIFA’s New Gaming Partnerships
FIFA has actively pursued new partnerships to bolster its gaming presence. The organization has been linked to potential collaborations with 2K Sports [IGN] and has already partnered with Konami’s eFootball for the FIFAe World Cup [FIFA.com].
Further expanding its reach, FIFA has also established a licensing and esports agreement with Sports Interactive’s Football manager, with the mobile version of the game available on Netflix [Sports Gamer News].
Netflix’s Expanding Sports content
Netflix’s foray into gaming extends beyond FIFA. The streaming giant has partnered with Gary Lineker’s Goalhanger to feature the “Rest is Football” soccer podcast during the World Cup [The Hollywood Reporter]. Additionally, Netflix has secured a deal with Barstool Sports to broaden its video podcast offerings [The Verge].
The FIFA game will be included as part of a standard Netflix subscription, making it accessible to the platform’s vast subscriber base. The exact release date within 2024 has not yet been announced.