FIFA licence is holding the game back says EA boss – hints at NFTs

metro.co.uk:

A leaked report suggests that EA now believes it would be better off without the FIFA licence, with FIFA 23 likely to be the last game.

It used to be that a new FIFA and Call Of Duty every year were the most reliable events in the video games calendar but not only is there now expected to be no new Call Of Duty next year but it seems FIFA 23 may be the last game to ever use that name.

In 2023 EA is likely to change the name of their series to EA Sports FC, after reports last year that FIFA is doubling the price it charges EA to use its name, with EA CEO Andrew Wilson apparently now committed to the name change as soon as possible.

According to comments made by Wilson, as obtained by website VGC, the licence is an ‘impediment’ to the series, since it stops EA from using game modes other than the traditional 11 vs. 11 or making use of ‘broader digital ecosystems’.

The term digital ecosystems is extremely vague but it’s believed it refers to NFTs and would likely be an extension of the current FIFA Ultimate Team mode.

FIFA is unlikely to have been blocking the use of NFTs on ethical grounds but because it wanted to sell them itself, with comments last year speaking of wanting to gain a ‘new commercial positioning in gaming and esports’.

EA has previously indicated its interest in NFT, describing it as the ‘future of our industry’ but has not mentioned them recently, sensibly avoiding the subject following criticism of Ubisoft and others’ use of the controversial technology.

According to Wilson, FIFA is just ‘four letters on the front of the box’ and provides no benefits other than the official licence for the World Cup.

Wilson also allegedly talked about involving brands not authorised by FIFA, such as Nike, and more general