The famous video game developer/publisher Electronic Arts, in a recent announcement, confirmed the conclusion of their partnership with FIFA.

The pairing began in the year 1993 with the launch of FIFA 94. And after 30 glorious years of great success, the iconic partnership is set to reach its climax in July 2023. FIFA 23 will be the last instalment of the FIFA series.

According to the New York times, the current deal, which would have otherwise ended after this year’s World Cup in Qatar, has been modified to run through the Women’s World cup the summer after.

FIFA has seen more than $20bn in sales during the past two decades. But there were clear signs of a split between the two parties over the past couple of months.

The last deal signed between the two organisations was ten years ago. EA have been paying FIFA $150m annually, and the football’s governing body has reportedly demanded at least double the current amount. EA, however, could not reach an agreement and decided to part ways. 

This decision will not have too much effect on the overall game experience, which implies that fans will continue to have access to some of the biggest clubs and players around the globe in the game.

This was made possible with the help of separate licensing deals with teams and leagues, like the Premier League and the Champions League. However, FIFA-controlled events such as the World Cup will no longer be available to play in the game.

Though the game won’t see any significant changes, the new name EA SPORTS FC will take some getting used to for the 150 million FIFA fans.