Take-Two and FIFA Collab might not be too far off

Rumors are circulating that FIFA, the company partly behind the hit football simulation game FIFA 22, might become a fixture of Take-Two’s 2K digital sporting portfolio. While neither company has taken a solid position for or against a future collaboration, no one can argue that FIFA would be an incredible addition to the Take-Two 2K retinue. 

FIFA 22 DOWNLOAD

In truth, Take-Two has been somewhat vague in its responses to the rumors. In one interview with IGN, its CEO, Strauss Zelnick, said: ‘We’re definitely interested in expanding our opportunities in sports, and FIFA has a great brand and incredible clout, but we have no current plans to discuss.’ This would suggest that while Take-Two praises FIFA for its past achievements, they have no interest in collaborating with them in the immediate future.

However, during the most recent earnings call, Zelnick seems to have amplified rumors with a statement about FIFA as a potential business partner. ‘Well, we noticed [that the FIFA license is up for grabs], and we tend to be thoughtful about our business at all times. We’re excited about building out our sports business and we don’t have much else to say at the moment.’ 

As Zelnick said, Take-Two and 2K are definitely interested in expanding their already formidable portfolio of sports titles, and what better way to do that than through a partnership with FIFA?

FIFA will release one last game developed with Electronics Arts before the expiration of their highly publicized deal. With FIFA 23 on the horizon, EA already has plans for its own global football phenomenon EA Sports FC. FIFA has said that it is working on numerous other non-simulation games within the FIFA football series, but further, than that, the company is not as of yet spoken for in terms of a new contractual agreement.

This, and the fact that Take-Two keeps mentioning the words FIFA, business, expand, and opportunities in the same sentence, is ultimately what may have started the rumor mill. While it would be incredible to have some semblance of the FIFA gaming series back in the hands of a true developer, we won’t know what’s in store for the football association until it and Take-Two release a new statement. Until then, we have EA Sports FC and numerous games within the FIFA series to look forward to. 

In case we’ve accidentally released a spoiler and you hadn’t heard about the latest EA-FIFA developments, here’s the gist of it: EA is saying goodbye to FIFA for good and launching its own global interactive sporting platform, EA Sports FC.

EA Sports FC says goodbye to FIFA READ MORE

EA Sports FC, a new era in interactive football, says goodbye to FIFA

FIFA and Electronic Arts have been the industry standard in global interactive football games for almost 30 years. Despite the FIFA 22 partnership, change is coming. EA and FIFA are officially parting ways. 

FIFA 22 DOWNLOAD

It’s always difficult when an era ends. Particularly one as long and exciting as the partnership between FIFA and Electronic Arts. The FIFA-EA partnership ends this year, with the new FIFA 22 as the partnership’s swan song. But what comes next for the interactive esports and gaming giant? Is this the end of the interactive football marque? As it turns out, no. This is, instead, the beginning of a new and hopefully more exciting future. 

FIFA 22 Ultimate Edition Key Global Buy now
FIFA 22 Ultimate Edition Key Global

There are numerous reasons behind EA deciding to let its partnership with FIFA end. One of the most talked-about reasons is that EA was less than happy that FIFA had decided to license its name out to other gaming corporations. Fortnite and Roblox are particularly mentioned as the prime offenders. But we’ve already reported on the hostilities between the two companies. Instead, we’re going to focus on the positive. 

EA has officially announced the creation of EA Sports FC. This will be the name under which future world interactive football games will be marketed from 2023 onward. EA took to its website in a heartfelt post 

recently, thanking its more than 150 million fans worldwide for almost 30 years of unending support. 

The company specifically makes mention of its 300+ license partners within the football community, presumably to instill confidence within players that this changeover won’t fundamentally change the things we love about the games going forward. In fact, EA specifically points out that fam favorites like Career Mode, Ultimate Team, VOLTA Football, and Pro Clubs will all still be among the company’s impressive retinue of interactive football-based esports experiences. The company is also set to retain its portfolio of over 30 leagues, 100 stadiums, and 700 teams, meaning players will still have a wide array of choices in the next era of football gaming. 

EA even ends off the post with quotes from their license partners, every one of which is encouraging and projects palpable excitement concerning the future of football gaming. Among the many license partners are LaLiga, Bundesliga, UEFA, Premier League, and Nike. 

This new interactive esports platform could very well become the biggest and best of its kind in the world, with legendary backing, the same incredible development teams, and a more fan-focused and less brand-aware approach to esports.

For those of you interested in the drama, we’ve also got an article exploring the reasons why EA decided to rebrand FIFA 23.

EA’s decision to rebrand FIFA 23 receives green light READ MORE

How To Play FIFA 22 With New Gameplay and Features

It’s expected that FIFA 22 will launch on October 2, 2021, and PS5 and Xbox Series X gamers can enjoy the next-generation graphics and gameplay that they’ve anticipated. While PC players will have to contend with similar visual quality as before, soccer fans worldwide can’t wait to test it out. EA is presenting a new career mode, which has a few adjustments from the previous title.

In this quick guide, we’ll show you how to play FIFA 22 sooner than the release date and discuss what new features will be available.

  1. Pre-order FIFA 22

    How To Play FIFA 22

    As of September 30, 2021, you’ll be able to download and receive FIFA 22 before the launch date. However, it’s only if you pre-order the Champions or Ultimate Edition. The pre-order window is from July 11 until October 2.

    To place your pre-order, open the store page for your device and search for FIFA 22. If you’re wanting it on console, you’ll need to check the PS5 and Xbox Series X stores for when it’s available. Once on the correct page, you need to select which edition you want and click on “Pre-order”, “Buy”, or “Add to cart.”

  2. EA Play membership

    How To Play FIFA 22

    If you’re a member of EA Play or Origin, you’ll be able to download FIFA 22 on September 30, 2021, and play it ahead of the launch date. It’s a special treat to loyal members, giving you privileges over those who have not joined as yet. It may be worth considering the subscription if you love EA games.

    To benefit from this method, all you need to do is download the EA Play client and sign up for the membership. When the appropriate date arrives, you’ll see FIFA 22 available for download. You can then play to your heart’s content while other gamers wait for the official launch.

New FIFA 22 Gameplay and Features

Most of the new features revolve around career mode, while we’re sure you’ll see updated elements for the others. You’ll be able to perform more customizations than before, giving you more control as a club manager. 

There have been plenty of leaks, but these are the confirmed features.

Create a Club

While you’ve been able to create clubs in some form before, you can now do so in career mode from scratch. There’ll be deeper customizations, giving you full control over your team. You see new kits, stadiums, crests, and more that you can add to your players and group.

How To Play FIFA 22

Custom kits

One of the newest features is the ability to create your own custom kit for your team in FIFA 22. You’ll be able to pimp the clothes as you wish, making them stand out from other clubs. You can also use templates from other teams and adjust them with new imagery or colors.

How To Play FIFA 22

Make a stadium

One aspect many FIFA gamers have asked for is to develop stadiums for their teams. EA has listed, and the ability to create a stadium is coming to FIFA 22. When you play at home, you’ll compete against the opponent in the base you built, adding some excitement to the title.

How To Play FIFA 22

Score the latest FIFA game

FIFA 22 has many players excited, even though it’s another annual release of a franchise that doesn’t appear to be dying anytime soon. As the top brand of soccer games, it’s great to see the developer and publisher bring something new to the table. 

If you want a taste of it before the launch or access to new features, you’ll need to pre-order it via the methods shown. Good luck, and may the best team win!