The football gaming scene might soon witness a significant shift. According to video game retailer MohPlay Inc, 2K Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, has allegedly secured the official FIFA license to create the next FIFA video game. This marks a potential end to FIFA’s search for a new developer following its split from EA in 2022.
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
A New Chapter for FIFA
The partnership between FIFA and 2K Games is rumored to culminate in the release of FIFA 2K25, anticipated to launch in 2024. While neither FIFA nor 2K Games have officially confirmed these rumors, the whispers align with earlier reports from Insider Gaming, suggesting a collaboration between the two entities.
More smoke to this. No one is willing to talk to me on the record about it, but we could be getting an announcement of a new partnership sooner rather than later https://t.co/cy6gqGGftl
— Mike Straw of Insider-Gaming.com (@MikeStrawMedia) May 26, 2024
MohPlay Inc’s social media post stated, “2K has secured the official license from FIFA to create the next FIFA video game,” adding fuel to the speculation. Despite the lack of an official announcement, the gaming community is abuzz with the potential impact of this development.
The End of an Era
In May 2022, EA announced the termination of its 30-year partnership with FIFA, rebranding its football game franchise to EA Sports FC. The first installment, EA Sports FC 24, launched to significant success, debuting at #1 on the UK Boxed Charts and garnering over 11.3 million players in its first week.
FIFA, on the other hand, vowed to continue producing its own football games, emphasizing that the FIFA name would remain synonymous with football simulation for millions of gamers worldwide.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s recent comments at the FIFA Congress in Bangkok further reinforced this commitment, stating, “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.”
2K Games: A Worthy Successor?
2K Games, known for its successful sports titles like NBA 2K, PGA Tour 2K, and WWE 2K, appears to be a strong candidate to take over the FIFA mantle. The potential partnership promises to inject fresh energy into the FIFA franchise, bringing new gameplay mechanics and innovative features that could rival EA’s offerings.
However, this transition is not without its challenges. EA has secured exclusive licensing rights with many top football leagues and teams for its EA Sports FC series, potentially limiting 2K’s access to some of the sport’s biggest names. Additionally, 2K’s approach to microtransactions, seen in games like NBA 2K24, might raise concerns among players wary of pay-to-win mechanics.
Community Reactions and Speculations
The gaming community’s response to these rumors has been a mix of excitement and skepticism. On one hand, the prospect of 2K bringing its expertise in sports simulation to FIFA is tantalizing. On the other hand, concerns about the potential for excessive microtransactions and the challenge of competing with EA’s established presence loom large.
2K Games has secured the FIFA video game license, according to @mohplay_inc_
byu/Quelanight2324 inGamingLeaksAndRumours
Former EA Sports FIFA community manager ChuBoi hinted at the possibility of a 2K and FIFA partnership, noting that several ex-FIFA developers had recently joined 2K. This move, coupled with FIFA’s public survey to gather gamer insights, suggests a concerted effort to ensure the new game meets high expectations.
I’ve heard similar. Noticed last year few ex FIFA gameplay dev colleagues now work at 2K. Prob not coincidence.
Announcing a World Cup ‘26 game would make sense, that’s my bet.
But if you think EA’s servers are bad… my brothers in Christ, you ain’t seen nothing.
NBA 2K… https://t.co/QYRtkfqQr1
— chuboi 🇳🇬🇨🇦 (@ChuBoi) February 12, 2024
What’s Next?
As the gaming world awaits official confirmation, the potential collaboration between FIFA and 2K Games represents a historic moment in football video gaming. With EA Sports FC, Konami’s eFootball, Football Manager, and the upcoming UFL game already in the mix, 2K’s entry could intensify competition and drive innovation in the genre.
Whether 2K can live up to the FIFA legacy and create a game that surpasses EA’s offerings remains to be seen, but the potential for a thrilling rivalry is undoubtedly on the horizon.
For now, players and fans can only wait and speculate, eagerly anticipating what might be one of the most exciting developments in the history of football video games.