Electronic Arts (EA) has made a surprising move by pulling all FIFA games from digital storefronts, including popular platforms like Steam and console stores, just as the release of their new game, EA Sports FC 24, is approaching. This news was first brought to light by a Twitter user named MauroNL, who noticed that none of EA’s FIFA titles are available for purchase anymore, including the previous year’s title, FIFA 23.
However, there is still a way to access these games through EA Play, the publisher’s subscription service. Additionally, physical copies of the delisted games can still be found in console stores. For those who have already purchased FIFA games on digital storefronts, they can still download and play their purchased games.
Unfortunately, for those who hadn’t yet bought FIFA 23 or earlier titles on platforms like Steam, they are out of luck. The Steam store page for FIFA 23 clearly states: “At the request of the publisher, EA Sports FIFA 23 is unlisted on the Steam store and will not appear in search.”
The reason behind EA’s decision to remove these games from sale is unclear at the moment. Engadget has reached out to the publisher for further clarification. However, it is speculated that a licensing issue might be the cause.
Last year, EA and FIFA ended their longstanding licensing partnership for the classic series of soccer simulation games. EA has rebranded the franchise as EA Sports FC. The first entry of this rebranded series is set to be officially released on September 29, although it has been available in early access since last week.
President of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, stated last year that the FIFA name will still continue to appear on future games, just not ones produced by EA. He affirmed, “I can assure you that the only authentic, real game that has the FIFA name will be the best one available for gamers and football fans.”
It remains to be seen how fans and gamers will respond to this unexpected development. Despite the removal of FIFA games from digital storefronts, it is expected that EA Sports FC 24 will still attract a significant player base and continue the legacy of EA’s soccer simulation games.
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