Will EA FC face Competition from Another Game?

EA FC is the top football video game even after EA Sports’ split from FIFA.

But since then, many gamers have been wondering if there will be a new game to rival EA FC.

Rumours are also rife that 2K will develop FIFA games and eventually create FIFA 2K25.

In recent months, the FIFA 2K25 rumours have been picking up some pace. However, nothing has been confirmed.

2K would be a natural replacement for EA Sports, given their successful NBA 2K games and WWE titles.

We explore the gaming rumours as well as what has been said by FIFA.

Why are there Rumours?

It is rumoured that 2K has been given the rights to develop football games under the FIFA name ever since EA parted ways with FIFA to forge its own path with FC 24 onwards.

2K have been considered frontrunners for the FIFA franchise ever since the split with EA took place. The studio has tons of experience in sports games including the NBA 2K titles and WWE games.

In February 2024, a leaker claimed that “if 2K is making a new FIFA game, it’s possible that they will announce it around the time of the Lego 2K Goooal! announcement/release”.

Meanwhile, at a FIFA congress in Bangkok, organisation president Gianni Infantino explained that FIFA “will develop a new e-game, because [the] football simulation game is called FIFA for hundreds of millions of children around the world.

He said: “When they play [a] football simulation game, they play FIFA, it cannot be named something else.

“We are developing new partners and a new game which, obviously as everything we do, will be the best. So get ready for the new FIFA game.”

Adding fuel to the fire was a Ghanaian video game retailer.

2K has secured the official license from FIFA to create the next FIFA video game!

The partnership is confirmed, and 2K will be developing a new football game series.

?? FIFA 2K25 is set to launch this year, just in time for the FIFA World Cup 2K26!

Get ready for FIFA 2K25!… pic.twitter.com/3jsu2XQu2a

— MohPlay Inc?? (@mohplay_inc_) May 24, 2024

It tweeted: “2K has secured the official license from FIFA to create the next FIFA video game!

“The partnership is confirmed, and 2K will be developing a new football game series.”

“FIFA 2K25 is set to launch this year, just in time for the FIFA World Cup 2K26! Get ready for FIFA 2K25.”

Given that nothing has been confirmed by FIFA or 2K, the rumours remain rumours.

However, it remains an intriguing prospect that 2K could create a new FIFA game and provide viable competition to EA FC.

UFL

UFL is an upcoming free-to-play game that aims to be a rival to EA FC.

Developed by Strikerz Inc., the game promises to deliver a realistic and engaging football experience, featuring advanced graphics and authentic gameplay mechanics.

Players can build and manage their own teams, compete in online matches, and participate in various tournaments and leagues.

UFL aims to offer a fair-to-play environment, emphasising skill and strategy over microtransactions.

With licenses for real players and teams, the game strives to provide an immersive and dynamic experience for football fans around the world.

An enticing factor is that Cristiano Ronaldo is a partner.

The Portuguese star said: “I’m thrilled to be a part of this project as UFL can become the new breed in football gaming.”

Eugene Nashilov, CEO of Strikerz Inc, added:

“Having Cristiano Ronaldo join us as a partner and investor is a significant step forward and an endorsement of our vision to create the leading game for football fans in the world.

“UFL is committed to innovation, technology and entertainment and we see significant potential to do things differently in the gaming industry.

“This is an ambition shared by Cristiano and we are excited to be working together, while continuing to engage with future investors, to create a game that fills a gap in the football gaming market by unifying a rich gaming experience with continuous progress and a fair approach.”

Despite the positives, UFL’s release date has been postponed to an unknown date in 2024.

Will there really be Competition?

As confirmed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the organisation is “developing new partners and a new game”.

But will it really happen?

It’s safe to say that a new FIFA game is on the way based on Infantino’s comments about developing “a new e-game” but the developer remains unconfirmed.

Given that it’s already deep into 2024 without an official confirmation or reveal, it’s likely that if a new FIFA game is coming – whether developed by 2K or another company – it probably won’t launch in 2024.

There’s always the possibility of being proven wrong.

However, it is important to emphasise that outside of Infantino’s comments about “developing new partners and a new game”, nothing has been confirmed about a new FIFA game.

The speculation about 2K developing a football simulation game remains just that – rumours.

While EA FC is here to stay, the potential for new competitors to emerge is substantial.

While EA’s long-standing dominance, substantial resources, and loyal fan base provide a robust foundation, the market is ripe for innovation and disruption.

Other developers have an opportunity to create a worthy rival should they receive FIFA licensing.

Ultimately, whether or not EA Sports FC faces significant competition will depend on the quality, authenticity and creativity that these new contenders bring to the pitch.