After three decades of collaboration, FIFA decided to seek new avenues for its gaming franchise, dissatisfied with EA’s reluctance to meet increased licensing fees.

Reports emerged suggesting FIFA’s intention to collaborate with 2K, a prominent player in the sports video game market, signalling a potential return to the soccer simulation genre.

This move could spark a significant rivalry, reminiscent of the competition between FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer in the early 2000s.

Amidst speculation, sources hinted at a possible partnership between FIFA and 2K for an officially licensed game, stirring excitement among gaming enthusiasts.

The prospect of 2K entering the soccer simulation arena raised expectations, especially considering the developer’s success with career modes in NBA and WWE games.

2K, a subsidiary of Take-Two Interactive, expressed interest in expanding into the sports genre, with FIFA being a prime candidate.

However, the company’s CEO, Strauss Zelnick, clarified in a 2022 interview with IGN that while FIFA’s brand held appeal, there were no immediate plans for collaboration.

Meanwhile, EA’s decision to part ways with FIFA stemmed from a desire for creative freedom and a reluctance to meet the reported US$1 billion licensing fee demanded by FIFA.

This move paved the way for EA Sports FC, a new football gaming series developed independently by EA.

FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, hinted at the organization’s intention to launch a rival video game, underscoring its determination to remain a prominent player in the esports landscape.

Infantino’s statement in March 2023 hinted at FIFA’s resolve to compete head-to-head with EA Sports, affirming their commitment to delivering top-quality gaming experiences.

As the gaming community eagerly awaits official announcements, the potential collaboration between FIFA and 2K promises to reshape the soccer simulation genre, setting the stage for an exciting new era in virtual football.

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Building upon last season’s success and the significant growth in FIFA esports competitive gaming popularity, the tournament ecosystem expands as the number of FUT Champions Cups increases from two to six, an all-new Licensed Qualifier System led by leading brands is added, and will involve an anticipated 15 official football league partners vs eight last season such as Bundesliga, Eredivisie, La Liga, Ligue 1, MLS, and the Premier League.

This season also includes the unique FIFA eClub World Cup and two EA Champions Cups featuring the best FIFA Online 4 players in the world, as well as a brand-new competition: the FIFA eNations Cup. Further details about the format and qualification for the FIFA eNations Cup will be announced over the coming weeks.

“The growth of competitive FIFA is both exponential and undeniable,” said Todd Sitrin, SVP and GM of the EA Competitive Gaming Division. “On the heels of the global phenomenon that is the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 launch, the scope of the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series illustrates competitive FIFA’s rapid rise and solidifies its status as a tier one competitive franchise. This past season, we smashed all the previous viewership and engagement records for competitive FIFA, and we are excited to do the same again in the coming season.”

The rise of EA SPORTS FIFA competitive gaming is enhanced through its accessibility, if you know the rules of football, you know the rules of FIFA. This approachability fuels not only increased player popularity, but spectator growth as well. It positions the franchise well for sustaining momentum as millions of football fans can understand the game.

“Competitive FIFA captivates millions of fans around the world, and its unique connection to the world’s game presents new and innovative ways to uniquely connect football fans around the world,” said Luis Vicente, Chief Digital Transformation & Innovation Officer at FIFA. “We’re thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with EA as we aim to push e-Football to new heights and to new audiences.”

With more than 20 million players across 60 nations participating in the EA SPORTS FIFA 18 Global Series, new pathways are now available to players aiming to qualify for the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series through the introduction of a new EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series Points system.

This new points system awards competitors for their cumulative performances across both online and live events and gives the opportunity for all eligible players to become a future star of FIFA competitive gaming. It also increases their chances for EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series Playoffs qualification and advancing to the FIFA eWorld Cup 2019.

“Building upon last season’s success, we wanted to give more players around the world the opportunity to compete in the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series, as well as elevate the profile of the superstars of FIFA,” said Brent Koning, EA SPORTS FIFA Competitive Gaming Commissioner. “Every detail of the competitive ecosystem is thoughtfully and strategically crafted to increase its engagement and entertainment for spectators, as well as accelerate our ultimate goal of making stars of all our players.”

All eligible players interested in becoming a competitor in the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series must register on FUTChampions.com by October 31, 2018 and become FUT Champions Verified to earn EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series points.

The top 60 competitors on the final EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series points leaderboard will qualify for the EA SPORTS FIFA 19 Global Series Playoffs, and then only the best-of-the-best will advance to the FIFA eWorld Cup 2019. There, only one will be crowned the FIFA 19 World Champion.

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