EA to change name of iconic FIFA game this week

When you think of FIFA, there’s two things you might think of. OK, there’s a lot of things.

But usually, those football-related things are either in real life on the pitch or in video on your games console.

While you might not have gone pro because of that knee injury, you might be royalty in the virtual world of FIFA.

Except that kingdom is having a shake-up.

When the latest game hits the shelves this week, it’s going to have a change of name.

Instead of being the obvious next instalment of the iconic series as FIFA 24, it’s instead going to be named EA Sports FC 24.

Doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as easily.

Basically, this is game makers Electronic Arts (EA) claiming the spotlight from the football governing body’s shadow.

EA

The BBC reports this is following ‘a reported disagreement over the cost of the licence to use the FIFA name’.

A huge draw to the game is that it’s the one out there with all the best football licences, from looking the most like Messi or Beckham or your other GOAT to the replica kits and stadiums to play in.

And the EA bosses have promised this remains the case.

David Jackson from the gamemakers told the BBC that over 19,000 footballers, 700 teams and 30 leagues would still be represented.

"We have to continue to show people that certain things will also be retained around the realism they know and love from a FIFA series," he said.

Ultimate Team game mode will also still remain in the game and for the first time, female players will also be included.

Former England star Kelly Smith is named as the first female icon to be featured and told the BBC: “The move just normalises the women's game for young people across the world.”

EA

The FIFA games have been around for 30 years now and people do reckon it’s a risky move to rebrand the UK’s best-selling franchise.

And the reviews are mixed.

TechRadar gave it four out of five stars and said: “Off the pitch, EA Sports FC 24 struggles to establish an identity, but the addition of HyperMotionV and key upgrades to fan-favorite modes including Pro Clubs and Ultimate Team makes this franchise-starter an objectively better football game than its de facto predecessor.”

Video Games Chronicle gave it three out of five stars as it said: “EA Sports FC 24 isn't the huge departure that we'd hoped for. While Ultimate Team devotees will likely be happy, the rest of the game feels like an afterthought in the transition away from the FIFA license.”

EA Sports FC 24 will be released this Friday (29 September).