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There’s been a little more light shed on EA’s recent announcement that it’s considering changing the name of its long running FIFA series.
A report from the New York Times (as spotted by Video Games Chronicle) reveals that the issue is, unsurprisingly, money related. Specifically, they say, FIFA is currently seeking more than double the amount in current gets from EA for using the name. According to “people with knowledge of the talks” that would see the developer pay the football body an eye-watering $1 billion for each four-year World Cup cycle.
However, that’s apparently not the only sticking block in the talks. The report also noes that FIFA want to limit EA’s use of their name to the football game. EA, meanwhile, would like to explore other avenues, which could include “highlights of actual games, arena video game tournaments” and even digital items like NFTs.
Apparently, the current contract between the two sides comes to an end next year, so talks are still ongoing for now. Both parties have declined to publicly comment on these reports. However, EA did announce in a press release on Tuesday evening it had reached a deal with FIFPRO to renew their current deal to continue to use player names, likeness and more for the majority of clubs and leagues featured in the games.
As for what EA could call new entries in the football series if the deal falls through, earlier this week a trademark was filed by the company for an EA Sports F.C.
