2K Set to Launch FIFA 2K25 This Year, Marking a New Era for the Franchise
In a significant development for football gaming fans, developer 2K is preparing to release a new FIFA game, tentatively titled FIFA 2K25, later this year. This marks the first new FIFA installment since 2022, when EA Sports released FIFA 23, which featured extensive content related to the Qatar World Cup.
The shift in developers comes after financial disagreements between EA Sports and FIFA. EA Sports, which had been the longstanding developer of FIFA games, opted to discontinue the series due to FIFA’s demand for over $250 million to retain the naming rights.
Consequently, EA Sports launched FC 24 in September 2023. Despite the name change, the game maintained the core experience of past FIFA titles and saw a 25% increase in sales.
Rumors have circulated for some time about FIFA seeking a new developer, with 2K emerging as a strong contender. Recent reports confirm that 2K has secured the rights to produce the next FIFA game.
Retailer MohPlay added to the excitement by announcing on social media that FIFA 2K25 will debut later this year.
Details of the agreement between FIFA and 2K remain undisclosed. However, 2K’s portfolio of officially licensed sports games, including basketball, wrestling, golf, and tennis, positions it as a credible new steward for the FIFA franchise. This will be 2K’s first foray into football gaming.
Despite the new partnership, EA retains exclusive licenses with major football leagues and tournaments, such as the Premier League, La Liga, and UEFA’s Champions League.
This exclusivity may force 2K to use generic team names and competition titles in FIFA 2K25, reminiscent of Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer, which featured teams like “Manchester Red” instead of Manchester United.
A potential concern among fans is the possibility of extensive microtransactions. While EA’s FIFA series included microtransactions in its popular Ultimate Team mode, 2K has faced criticism for the heavy reliance on microtransactions in its NBA games.
As the release of FIFA 2K25 approaches, fans are eager to see how 2K will handle the beloved franchise and whether it can live up to the high standards set by its predecessors.
