Bang on the early Tuesday evening: What has been bubbling in the rumor mill for many months, is now officially confirmed. FIFA 23 will be the last title of the simulation series with a traditional name, from 2023, the soccer series will be renamed EA SPORTS FC. Details about the new offshoot will follow in July 2023.

This should also end the partnership between EA SPORTS and FIFA, although there is no definite talk of this in the corresponding announcement. According to the developer, it ushers in “the future of soccer from EA SPORTS”. The subtext of the announcement seems unmistakable, however.

EA SPORTS FC as a “symbol of change”.

“It’s much more than just changing a symbol – as EA SPORTS we are committed to EA SPORTS FC becoming a symbol of change,” writes the publisher. The test for licensing separation from FIFA, which had apparently demanded significantly higher payments for the upcoming rights cycle, has been running for some time.

EA SPORTS wants to “take the global soccer experience to a new level on behalf of all soccer fans around the world.” At the same time, however, there is an all-clear for all traditionalists: FUT, the career mode, VOLTA and Pro Clubs are to be preserved, and the range of licenses will probably not be reduced either

FIFA 23 is to become “the best of all time

Among the partner citations at the end of the message are major leagues and associations such as the Bundesliga, UEFA or CONMEBOL – but just not FIFA. Which is not to say that it is not mentioned: It is technically correctly referred to as the “current naming rights partner.”

EA SPORTS holds out the prospect, before the paradigm shift to EA SPORTS FC together with FIFA still want to deliver the “most comprehensive game ever” – FIFA 23. The upcoming FIFA is also to be “the best ever”, promised “more features, game modes, clubs, leagues” and more.