EA Sports and FIFA released a joint statement today declaring that, unsurprisingly, their partnership with regard to the FIFA video game series has been extended until 2022. In the press-release the companies went into greater detail about quite exactly what this extension means:
"Under the terms of the agreement, EA SPORTS maintains exclusive rights to release FIFA-branded action and management videogames. In addition, EA SPORTS also holds exclusive rights to release the official FIFA World Cup videogame, as well as retaining its status as a Presenting Partner of the FIFA Interactive World Cup."
Long-time fans of the FIFA series will remember that the first game in the series was released a whopping 20 years ago in 1993, and that this partnership has endured without wavering for this entire time. Even as the franchise's competitors have come and gone, FIFA and EA Sports have remained committed to delivering the most authentic football video game experience out there. Andrew Wilson, Executive Vice President and Head of EA SPORTS, had the following to say on the extended partnership:
Our franchise has become the benchmark for quality and innovation in the sports videogame genre, and we look forward to many more years of connecting with consumers around the world with our games carrying the prestigious FIFA name.
Jérôme Valcke, FIFA Secretary General, meanwhile confirmed the importance of video games in promoting the FIFA brand worldwide:
The FIFA videogames are a key experiential component in our work to communicate the FIFA brand and its values all over the world. This is highlighted by the 2.5 million football fans that have competed in this years FIFA Interactive World Cup, which is just one example of the power of our partnership with EA.
With the companies moving full-steam ahead, FIFA 14 is reportedly set for an October release date.