ARTICLE · 27 SEPTEMBER 2022

EA SPORTS…It's In The Name.

Waterfront Solicitors LLP

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After three decades of collaboration with the Federation Internationale de Football Association ("Fifa"), Electronic Arts Inc. ("EA"), the company that owns EA Sports...

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Emmanuella Blot

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After three decades of collaboration with the Federation Internationale de Football Association ("Fifa"), Electronic Arts Inc. ("EA"), the company that owns EA Sports, has told fans that it will no longer produce its world-famous football video game under the name "FIFA".

It now plans to release a game under the name EA SPORTS FC.

It is a big decision given EA has generated around $20bn in sales of the FIFA game, not to mention a loyal, global fanbase. It has been reported, however, that FIFA wanted to charge EA significantly more money (allegedly US$300 million) for the continued use of its name.

EA also has its own reasons for wanting more flexibility in how it designs, markets and commercialises the game to take advantage of gamers' desires for a more a bespoke, individual gaming experience as well as commercial opportunities in esports and NFTs.

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