EA SPORTS FC: Everything we know so far

Millions of football fans grew up enjoying the EA Sports FIFA video games. FIFA and EA have been working together on the games for three decades with a new edition coming out every year.

That relationship came to an end after the 2022/23 season, though, and EA have been left trying to execute what can only be described as one of the most ambitious and difficult rebrands in the history of gaming.

Given the games were always named 'FIFA 14' or 'FIFA 22' with the year changing each time, fans were left wondering what they could even call the new game, let alone how different it would be once fully released.

Here is all that we know so far about the new game.

What will the FIFA games be called now?

The new games are going to be called EA Sports FC after the name was confirmed by the company themselves. The new name has also been accompanied by a new logo which sees the phrase EA Sports FC written in the shape of a downward-pointing triangle.

The triangle is a shape that seems to feature heavily in the branding of the new game and overall platform with EA saying: "The new brand takes its design inspiration directly from the beautiful game and a dominant shape in football culture that represents the sport in multiple dimensions, triangles.

"From passing techniques to set plays, the shape has also been woven into the DNA of EA SPORTS football experiences for decades; from the isometric angles of our very first 8-bit experiences and the triangular polygons that make up every pixel of our most modern games, as well the iconic player indicator symbol that appears above every athlete in every match."

It will be a separate entity, devoid of FIFA intervention. President Gianni Infantino revealed the governing body will continue to make a video game, though the series would continue in the future with FIFA 25, missing out a year.

He said: "The new FIFA game - the FIFA 25, 26, 27 and so on - will always be the best e-game for any girl or boy, we will have news on this very soon."

EA Sports FC game modes

There aren't expected to be any major departures in game modes available for EA Sports FC players. However, with FIFA now out of the picture EA could get more creative and bring new formats to our screens.

The following game types will all feature in the new release.

• Kick-off
• Online friendlies
• Tournaments
• Skill games
• Practice arena
• VOLTA FOOTBALL
• Ultimate Team
• Career Mode
• Pro Clubs
• Seasons

EA have taken advantage of their split with FIFA to include the Ballon d'Or award in the game for the first time, with players able to win the award on Career Mode. That aspect of the game has been refined further with a clear divide between Manager Career and Player Career.

Actual match data from Opta has also been included in the new feature PlayStyles, which provides each player with a more realistic representation of their approach on the pitch.

Ultimate Team has also been developed with the new addition of Ultimate Team Evolutions. For the first time, players will be able to actually upgrade certain statistics of any card in your club, alter their skill moves or even change their work rate.

EA Sports FC 24 release date

The first of many updates for this season's answer to FIFA will be released on Friday 29 September.

EA unveiled the 12 highest-ranked male and female players on 11 September before every fan - and player - gets the chance to argue over the rest of the ratings on 15 September, a full two weeks before everyone can actually test out the new cards on the console.

Has EA Sports FC struggled with licensing?

Something that has kept the FIFA games ahead of the Pro Evolution Soccer series is their full licensing of leagues, teams and kits. That will continue with EA Sports FC, with the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, WSL, NWSL, CONMEBOL and more on board with the new game.

EA triumphantly declared: "Fans will experience unrivalled authenticity with access to more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues, with the support of over 300 global football partners that will allow further expansion into areas including both women’s and grassroots football."

 Will women's football be in EA Sports FC?

With new records being set in women's football all over the world every season, one way in which EA Sports FC will have its success measured will be the development of women's football within the game.

With the Women's Super League and the National Women's Soccer League both being fully licensed for the game, it looks good. This is backed up by a statement from Navin Singh, Commercial Director at The Football Association.

"For football to advance, the elevation and equality of women’s football needs to be a focus. EA SPORTS FC will provide fans with an unmatched women’s gaming experience that highlights the importance and impact of women’s football. We know that fans have been asking for more opportunities to engage with the Barclays WSL, and EA SPORTS FC provides an answer," Singh said.

Barcelona's Alexia Putellas was revealed as the highest-rated player in FC 24 - sharing the same 91 overall score as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne. There will also be women's ICONs, with USWNT legend Mia Hamm among the many cover stars this year.

Why has FIFA changed to EA Sports FC?

FIFA 23 was the final game in the iconic FIFA series, with EA Sports already confirming the next game will be part of a major rebrand. The rights deal between EA and FIFA comes to an end in 2023 and the next game will instead be titled EA Sports FC.

The game itself and its most popular modes are expected to remain the same, while EA will continue to use their licenses for 9,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues to make the game as realistic as possible.

READ MORE NEWS AND RATINGS AHEAD OF THE RELEASE OF EA SPORTS FC 24