EA Removes FIFA Games from Digital Storefronts without warning

The FIFA franchise from Electronic Arts is one of the most iconic gaming franchises ever created, thanks to its close resemblance to the real-life football. With life-like footballers, officially licensed tournaments, realistic teams, and more, the series has managed to create a soft spot for almost every football enthusiast around the globe.

EA has pulled every FIFA game, from 14 up to 23, from digital storefronts namely PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, Steam and Epic Games just days before the release of EA Sports FC 24. However, FIFA 22 and 23 can be played via EA Play which is included in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

While you can still download DLC packs, commentary languages and the FIFA Points currency used in-game, the games themselves are unavailable for purchase. Those who already own a FIFA game can download and play as usual.

This sudden move came as a result of EA’s licensing issues with FIFA, due to which EA had earlier announced that it would be dropping ‘FIFA’ from its games. The series has been rebranded to ‘EA Sports FC’ moving forward, although it could take a while to get used to.

Most likely, the end of EA’s 30-year-old partnership with FIFA means that the company can no longer sell titles with the FIFA name. Removing FIFA games just a few days before EA Sports FC 24 is scheduled to launch could be a clever way of promotion.

EA Sports FC will be the first title after the rebranding so clearly there’s a lot riding on it. Just like previous games in the series, EA Sports FC will also feature an updated roster. However, the upcoming game has streamlined the Ultimate Team mode on field, added an “Evolution” feature to level up skills, and mixed in female players.

While EA is yet to comment on the sudden removal of FIFA games, it is unsure whether or not they will return to online stores. Until then, players can enjoy EA Sports FC 24 which is more or less the same game. EA Sports FC 24 releases on September 29th for PC, PS5, PS4, Switch, Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) is an American video game company based in Redwood City, California found on May 27, 1982. It is currently the second-largest gaming company in the Americas and Europe in terms of revenue and market capitalization.

EA develops and publishes games of established franchises, including Battlefield, Need for Speed, The Sims, Medal of Honor, Command & Conquer, Dead Space, Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Army of Two, Titanfall, and Star Wars, as well as the EA Sports titles FIFA, Madden NFL, NBA Live, NHL, and EA Sports UFC.