Next FIFA Game Not From EA: Insider Teases 2K Development
A new rumour suggests that the next FIFA game is on the way, and it's not being developed by EA, according to one reputable insider. An announcement for a new FIFA partnership appears to be imminent, leading into Summer Game Fest 2024.
FIFA and EA Sports ended their three-decade-long partnership in 2022, marking the end of an era for the prolific sports franchise. The split meant that a new FIFA game would not be released in 2023, with EA Sports shifting to its new EA Sports FC franchise. However, FIFA reassured gamers that a new title in the FIFA franchise would come, as negotiations were underway with various developers around the world. In February 2024, rumours and speculation suggested that the next FIFA game could be developed in collaboration with 2K, who has extensive experience with the NBA 2K and PGA Tour 2K franchises.
Insider Gaming senior editor Mike Straw shared an update on the status of the next FIFA game, claiming that there's more smoke to his original claim from February. According to Straw, sources close to the development of the new FIFA title are unwilling to speak on the record just yet, but the announcement of a new partnership is coming sooner rather than later. Once more, Straw's claim implies that 2K is the developer for the new FIFA game, which "video game researcher" and leaker Kurakasis teased a few months ago as well.
New FIFA Game Announcement Reportedly Coming Soon
FIFA confirmed its next FIFA game is still happening without EA back in mid-2023. If Straw's claim is true, 2K likely secured a licensing agreement with FIFA at least one year ago, and development is likely well underway. An announcement may come at Summer Game Fest 2024, since the event will feature several major game reveals and updates for titles launching in the latter half of 2024 and beyond. However, it's worth noting that nothing about the new game announcement has been officially confirmed by FIFA.
In a reply to Twitter user 44gaming, Straw shared a brief update to the new NFL game being developed by 2K. 2K's new mobile NFL game is still planned alongside "a full game" for unannounced platforms, according to Straw. Unlike the new FIFA game, Straw states that it's unclear when the new NFL game will be announced, since development restarted multiple times.
The new FIFA game will compete directly with EA Sports FC, which is expected to get a new entry this year as EA Sports FC 25. Competition between the two franchises may benefit gamers, as both EA and 2K could bring innovative ideas that will make each title stand out.