The World’s Game -- Electronic Arts Announces Multiplatform EA SPORTS FIFA Global Expansion
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) announced a multiyear UEFA license extension, maintaining exclusive rights to club football within EA SPORTS. The company aims to expand football video game access through mobile offerings and the free-to-download FIFA Online 4, which will reach potentially 80 million players in over 15 new countries. EA SPORTS FIFA 21 launches on Stadia on March 17, enhancing its global reach. The FIFA franchise has sold over 325 million units and continues to show growth in player engagement, further solidifying EA’s position in digital interactive entertainment.
- UEFA license extension secures exclusive rights for EA SPORTS.
- EA SPORTS FIFA 21 was the best-selling game in the UK in 2020.
- FIFA franchise has sold over 325 million units.
- Potentially 80 million players could access FIFA Online 4 in new countries.
- Upcoming launch of EA SPORTS FIFA 21 on Stadia expands platform availability.
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Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced a multiyear UEFA license extension, ensuring the pinnacle of club football remains exclusive to EA SPORTS. EA is expanding football video game access through multiple in-development mobile offerings, and by broadening the PC free-to-download FIFA Online 4 title’s reach to potentially 80 million players in more than 15 new countries. Additionally, the franchise will launch on Stadia for the first time when EA SPORTS FIFA 21 is available March 17 for Stadia.
This expansion builds on the continued growth and success of the EA SPORTS FIFA franchise. EA SPORTS FIFA 21 was the best-selling game in the United Kingdom in 2020, it is continually one of the most popular games worldwide, and the EA SPORTS FIFA franchise has now sold more than 325 million units over its lifetime. Additionally, there are more players playing EA SPORTS FIFA 21 than the eventual record-breaking EA SPORTS FIFA 20 at this point in their respective product cycles, illustrating fan interest continues to grow.
“Our vision is to create the most authentic, social and connected football experience by bringing our games to more devices, more countries and more fans around the world,” said DJ Jackson, VP, EA SPORTS Brand. “EA SPORTS continues to rapidly transform how fans consume sport, evolving football from a passive and scheduled experience to an interactive one, accessible at any time. This is the world’s game, and EA SPORTS is doing everything we can to further connect players, athletes, clubs and leagues and grow the love of football, globally.”
UEFA and EA SPORTS are two of the biggest names in global football, synonymous with innovation, competition, and a commitment to advancing the world’s game. To date, over 150 million minutes of UEFA Champions League football have been played in EA SPORTS FIFA games on console and PC. The new license extension gives the EA SPORTS FIFA ecosystem exclusive rights to UEFA Champions League, as well as the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup. The partnership is also poised to help grow the eChampions League, an integral and important tournament within the EA SPORTS FIFA Global Series competitive gaming program.
To continue growing EA SPORTS FIFA fandom, providing players with more ways to play is paramount. The free-to-download FIFA Online 4 experience on PC, widely played in Asia, will be available for the first time in Russia, Poland, Turkey, and more, bringing the game to potentially tens of millions of passionate football fans. EA SPORTS FIFA 21 launches for Stadia on March 17 and will let players instantly play their favorite video games on screens they already own.
Mobile remains the most popular gaming platform in the world and EA SPORTS has six football experiences in the works ranging from authentic simulation to unique arcade formats offering new ways to play for everyone. More details on these diverse mobile football experiences will be announced at a later date.
EA SPORTS reaches players all around the globe, and in the past year introduced six new console and PC experiences, as well as ongoing live service offerings on PC and mobile. EA SPORTS franchises delivered sports entertainment to fans all around the world with an array of authentic, deep experiences that brought players closer to the sports, teams, and leagues that they love.
About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The company develops and delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, mobile devices and personal computers.
In fiscal year 2020, EA posted GAAP net revenue of
EA SPORTS, Battlefield, Apex Legends, The Sims, Need for Speed, Titanfall and Plants vs. Zombies are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Madden, FIFA and the NFL are property of their respective owners and used with permission.
About UEFA
UEFA is the governing body of European football. UEFA's mission is to promote, protect and develop European football at every level of the game, to promote the principles of unity and solidarity, and to deal with all questions relating to European football. For more information, please visit UEFA.org.
Category: EA Sports
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