Highlights
Fans are puzzled by the sudden removal of 10 FIFA titles from digital storefronts, leaving questions about the reasons behind this decision.
Electronic Arts has made FIFA titles unavailable for purchase on multiple platforms right before the launch of its new game, EA Sports FC 24. This removal could be a strategic marketing decision for the upcoming release or a consequence of EA no longer possessing the FIFA license, indicating a notable change in the company's approach to soccer games.
EA has not yet given an official reason for removing these titles. Fans of the popular soccer franchise, FIFA, were left confused when Electronic Arts took down a total of 10 FIFA games from different digital platforms. As gamers noticed the absence of FIFA titles, they started wondering why these games were unexpectedly removed.
FIFA, widely regarded as the most popular soccer video game franchise, has raised numerous questions with its sudden removal of these titles. The exact delisting dates of these games remain unclear, and Electronic Arts (EA) has yet to issue an official statement regarding this decision. Adding to the concern is the fact that EA made this move only two days before launching their new game, EA Sports FC 24, which has completely abandoned the FIFA name.
According to MauroNL, a Twitter user, EA made an unexpected choice to remove all FIFA titles from 14 to 23 across various platforms. As a result, these games are no longer available for purchase from the previously offered virtual stores such as the Epic Games Store, Microsoft Store, Nintendo eShop, PlayStation Store, and Steam. Users are now unable to access these titles, as the purchasing links are no longer functional. It is worth noting that although FIFA 23, the most recent installment, is no longer available for purchase on digital storefronts, it remains playable for those who have an EA Play membership.
According to VGC, clues about the removal can be found on the Steam page for FIFA 23. An update states that, at the publisher's request, EA Sports FIFA 23 is no longer listed on the Steam store and cannot be found through a search. While the exact reason remains unclear, it is speculated that this removal may be related to the upcoming release of EA Sports FC 24, the next installment in the franchise.
The decision by EA to delist these FIFA titles has surprised many, given the franchise's longstanding popularity and legacy. This could possibly be a strategic marketing move to make way for the upcoming release. However, it is worth noting that EA recently announced the end of its nearly 30-year partnership with FIFA, raising the possibility that the removal is due to EA no longer having the FIFA license.
EA's decision to remove FIFA titles from digital storefronts is a significant change in their approach to soccer-themed games. While players already have early access to EA Sports FC 24, fans are curious about the publisher's plans for future soccer gaming projects. The gaming community eagerly anticipates more information from EA, as the absence of these FIFA games leaves players uncertain about when they will be able to play them again. EA Sports FC 24 is set to release on September 29 for various platforms including PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.
Source: VGC