For 30 years, the name Fifa has been linked to both video games and real-life football; however, this is about to be altered.
This week marks the release of EA Sports FC, the latest instalment of the Electronic Arts (EA) soccer simulator.
The games maker is emerging from the football governing body's influence after a reported disagreement regarding the expense of the authorisation to employ the Fifa name.
Since the 1990s, the game has been the leading seller in the UK, and an expert has expressed that the magnitude of the revamping effort is "unparalleled."
Few companies, being in a position of market dominance, opt to abandon their name and logo.
Ampere Analysis research findings indicate that EA's net revenue from the Fifa video game franchise increased from $513m (£332m) in 2010 to a massive $2bn (£1.6bn) in 2020.
Progressing away from the fame and recognition affiliated with the name, EA is taking a significant risk in an effort to execute possibly the most significant rebrand in the entertainment industry.
According to Graham Sykes, the executive creative director of Landor & Fitch, a design and branding firm, the decision presents a multitude of hardships.
He expresses worry about taking away the watermark of legitimacy from a much-celebrated title.
It is evident that, due to the rebrand, efforts are being made to offset that.
Sykes declares: "I firmly believe that nothing can measure up to this rebranding."
Given the broad economic environment that encircles the game, along with the numerous associated materials that have been generated about it, the move is "remarkably uncommon for an entertainment series".
Sykes believes that the outcome of the game's success depends on the responses of the supporters when it is released for sale.
Having remained consistent and successful for three decades, despite the emergence of social media and the evolution of the internet, is a testament to the tenacity of this fanbase... We will find out in the opening week if it paid off.
With its emphasis on the rebrand, it's probably no surprise that the actual game, that which is below the hood, has been given less consideration in comparison to the past titles in the series.
After gaming with EA Sports FC 24, one feels it to be slower-paced than its predecessor, Fifa 23. The main alterations to the game are mostly linked to graphical transformations and tactical alternatives, as opposed to any substantial alterations to the gameplay.
Reviewers have expressed positivity, with Metacritic awarding 77 out of 100. GamesRadar+ commended the title, stating it was "the most playable Fifa in years" and mentioned it was "an encouraging new start for the EA Sports FC franchise".
Video Games Chronicle's opinion was that EA Sports FC 24 was not the great change that was expected. Those dedicated to Ultimate Team will likely be satisfied, but the rest of the game appears to be unimportant as it moves away from the Fifa license.
No matter how the game functions, a major advantage that this series has had over the course of its 30-year existence is its ability to offer the most comprehensive football licensing - from detailed player representations to precise replicas of kits and stadiums.
EA's employers have made it a point to emphasize that, despite the new name, the same thing applies. Even in the past when the playing experience didn't live up to the other games, customers still bought millions of copies of Fifa based on the licenses.
In an April interview with the BBC, David Jackson of EA highlighted that the game would still maintain a considerable amount of content, with 19,000 footballers, 700 teams and 30 leagues, even after its detachment from the control of football's governing body.
He asserted that gamers must be shown that the realism that they are accustomed to from a Fifa series will still be retained.
A constant in EA Sports FC is the Ultimate Team game mode. By playing Ultimate Team, gamers can assemble the best team possible with players and items, and then play against players from all corners of the globe.
This highly sought-after style of play is the source of over half of the game's total income - a sum higher than one billion dollars (£804 million). Back in 2010, it generated a net revenue of only $26 million (£17 million) based on Ampere Analysis' findings.
The money earned is based on in-game purchases and loot boxes which give players the opportunity to purchase bundles of content.
There has been a growing dispute in recent times surrounding this emphasis, prompting Belgium to forbid loot boxes in video games. To try and secure people from getting into financial trouble due to gaming, the UK has sent out fresh guidelines, with the possibility of future laws being imposed.
In a BBC exclusive, Cam Weber, head of EA Sports, defended the use of in-game purchases and loot boxes in Fifa, stressing that "we are all about providing experiences that let the majority of players advance in the game the way they prefer, when it pertains to buying content."
Weber states that they invest in parental controls and urge parents to use them. Additionally, they have previewable packages from which players can take a peek of the content before deciding whether to spend money or not.
Most packs in Ultimate Team are bought using virtual currency which can be earned through playing the game. To ensure a balanced gaming experience, we strive to provide gamers with as many options as possible.
You have the option to participate however you like. You can play for free or choose to play in the modes that don't require any spending.
For the first time, EA Sports FC 24 has added female players to its Ultimate Team game mode.
Former England and Arsenal striker Kelly Smith, who's been honored by being the first female icon to be featured in the title, has had words of praise for it.
"The shift gives the women's game a ground-level presence among youth all around the world," she informs the BBC. "Having women play alongside men, enabling young ones to witness female representation in the sport, is something that has been required for a long time. This offers the women's game a foothold it truly merits."
Graham Sykes has been impressed with EA's efforts in their recent rebranding. Nevertheless, the first week will be fundamental in gauging how successful the transformation has been.
He states that employers will aim to "create and sustain a favorable image regarding the launch, ensure the video game sales remain successful, and keep the dedicated players and supporters in agreement".
The latest edition of EA Sports FC 24 will hit shelves this Friday, September 29th.
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