FIFA 23 will be the last FIFA game as we know it. But it looks like EA wants this final instalment to go out with a bang by making franchise history.
The company revealed the official cover artwork for FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition on Monday. This includes the game’s two official cover stars.
The reveal confirmed the much-rumoured inclusion of the series’ first ever female cover star. Which is great news for the women’s game, its players and fans, and equal representation.
The FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition cover will feature Chelsea and Australia forward Sam Kerr, alongside FIFA 21 and FIFA 22 cover star PSG and France forward Kylian Mbappé.
EA tweeted the two players are: “Two phenomenal forces up front. One ultimate strike partnership.”
A full reveal trailer – called “The World’s Game” – is currently scheduled to be released on Wednesday July 20th 2022.
FIFA 23 – The End of an Era
In case you missed the big news, FIFA 23 will be the final football game from EA to bear the FIFA name.
That’s because the three-decade long partnership between EA and FIFA is coming to an end this time next year in July 2023. EA made the official announcement in May.
The company also confirmed the next game in the series will be titled EA Sports FC. Thankfully, the new name doesn’t mean the series will be cutting back on modes or licensing. EA said:
“Everything you love about our games will be part of EA SPORTS FC – the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes will be there. Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football will all be there. Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues that we’ve continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA SPORTS FC. That includes exclusive partnerships with the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Serie A, the MLS – and more to come.”
EA also stated that its “new independent platform will bring fresh opportunity – to innovate, create and evolve.” FIFA games have long been criticised for their lack of innovation.
While it’s unclear whether EA or FIFA were to blame for this, many fans are sceptical a name change will revolutionise the series.
FIFA has also announced that it will continue to make FIFA football simulation games as well, meaning the two franchises will compete with each other:
“FIFA is currently engaging with leading game publishers, media companies and investors in regard to the development of a major new FIFA simulation football game title for 2024.”
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