Tag: FIFA

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BioWare says that one of their latest games was approved by EA when it was compared to FIFA

Anthem, the ambitious title from BioWare, will no longer be available in January, marking the end of a difficult chapter for the Canadian developer and its publisher, Electronic Arts. With the decision to close the game, questions arise about why its development was approved and what failures led to its commercial failure. The FIFA of RPGs Mark Darrah, former producer at BioWare and a key figure behind Mass Effect, has shared valuable insights on the conception of Anthem. In a new series of videos, he explains that the leadership team of Mass Effect sought to innovate and experiment with new […]

Anthem, the ambitious title from BioWare, will no longer be available in January, marking the end of a difficult chapter for the Canadian developer and its publisher, Electronic Arts. With the decision to close the game, questions arise about why its development was approved and what failures led to its commercial failure.

The FIFA of RPGs

Mark Darrah, former producer at BioWare and a key figure behind Mass Effect, has shared valuable insights on the conception of Anthem. In a new series of videos, he explains that the leadership team of Mass Effect sought to innovate and experiment with new narratives, deviating from the company’s usual approach. The idea of Anthem was presented as a product that would incorporate an online service model, designed to attract a broader audience and potentially reach sales figures of iconic games like FIFA.

According to Darrah, the pitch led by Casey Hudson at EA proposed a distinct gaming experience that combined BioWare’s rich narrative with elements of an online business model. However, despite the ambitious vision, that essence was lost during development, which ultimately made it difficult to realize the final game. The challenge lay in the lack of clarity about what Anthem was really supposed to be, which failed to position it as a competitor on the level of Destiny or Borderlands.

Despite their hopes, Anthem did not meet EA’s sales expectations and, after several restructurings in 2021, its development was halted. The departure of Darrah and Hudson shortly before the cancellation reflects a turbulent period at BioWare, where the lack of clear direction became an insurmountable obstacle for the project that promised to revolutionize storytelling in video games.

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After breaking their agreement with EA, FIFA seems to have a new partner called 2K

With the botched transformation of PES into eFootball and the fact that EA hasn’t renewed its licensing agreement with FIFA, it opens up the possibility…

The world of virtual football was dealt a blow after the breakup between EA and FIFA, who had been editing together the best-selling sports video game in the world for over 20 years. But everything comes to an end, especially when there are two companies eager for power and money.

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For that reason, in 2023 and 2024 we have not had a classic FIFA. The EA Sports FC 24 is what has arrived on consoles this year and many players have not been satisfied with the result.

Now, one year after the breakup, there are rumors pointing to a possible new relationship between the American sports gaming giant 2K and the international soccer federation, also known as FIFA.

An unexpected partnership, but it makes sense

2K Games and FIFA could partner to develop a new soccer game that uses the licenses of the global soccer association, at least according to a hint provided by insider Kurakasis.

Recently, they have hit the mark with the new games Sonic Generations and Metro VR, in addition to discovering the official name of the next Indiana Jones game by MachineGames, so their credibility is quite high at the moment.

2K Games is known for publishing sports game series such as NBA 2K and WWE 2K, but it has been out of the soccer game field for years, mainly dominated by EA Sports and Konami with their franchises FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer respectively.

However, with the clumsy transformation of PES into eFootball and the fact that EA has not renewed its licensing agreement with the global football association to continue using the FIFA brand, there may be an opportunity for 2K to try to return to this discipline.

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A possible partnership between 2K and FIFA has been on everyone’s mind since EA and their long-term partner broke up, although we hadn’t heard anything concrete about it, apart from FIFA stating that they would continue investing in games with their official brand.

EA Sports FC sells fewer copies than FIFA 23, but there’s a catch!

EA Sports FC sells less than its immediate predecessor, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a bad thing: its sales are still fantastic

EA has severed ties with FIFA, which has had its consequences. Firstly, they had to change the name of their most iconic and best-selling game. This made many people think that their sales would be significantly affected since their audience is considered more casual, and many people might be unaware of this change and not buy the game this year. Something that many people will likely confirm when looking at the sales data in the UK.

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According to data from Chris Ding of Games Industry, EA Sports FC had initial sales 30% lower in physical copies compared to FIFA 23. These numbers might seem concerning when viewed in isolation. However, there’s a catch. EA Sports FC is also the second biggest launch of 2023 in terms of physical copies sold in the UK, only behind The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, surpassing the highly successful Hogwarts Legacy.

This paints a very positive picture of EA Sports FC’s performance. While it might seem like what happens in the UK doesn’t necessarily reflect the rest of the world, the reality is that it serves as a good predictor for commercial trends across Europe. Historically, the UK market has been a good representation of what happens in the rest of the continent.

Furthermore, this isn’t even something new. Physical sales of FIFA have been declining for several years in favor of digital sales, in a consistent and gradual trend that is increasing over time. Moreover, EA was already expecting a decline in sales during the initial years, which ultimately probably falls within their expectations. Because if being the second biggest launch of the year isn’t enough for a game to succeed, even if it’s the game formerly known as FIFA, not having the license from the professional football governing body will be the least of their worries.

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How the biggest breakup in video games came about: from FIFA 24 to EA Sports FC 24

EA has cut ties with Fifa and that is why its legendary game is not called FIFA 24 this year, but in a more complicated way: EA Sports FC 24

It is impossible that there is anyone who has not heard about the most mediatic breakup of the videogame. EA has dropped its FIFA license and so its game is no longer called FIFA, but EA Sports FC. What is probably not so well known is all that this entails for EA and what is on the table and what they are leaving behind by making this decision. Because never in the history of video gaming, nor of modern capitalism, has there been a branding disruption like this before. And as such, it is worth studying its reasons and its implications.

The first FIFA, FIFA International Soccer, was released in 1993 for the SEGA Mega Drive. Since then it became one of the two big soccer titles, to the point that, by the beginning of the following decade, the numbers they commanded were dizzying. According to a study by Ampere Anylisis, by 2010 the FIFA franchise had a net worth of $513 million. By 2020, it was already worth $2 billion.

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That is to say, a priori, it does not seem to make much sense to dissociate from a brand that generates so much value lightly. So what has happened to make them decide to change the name? EA has decided to dispense with the organization’s license.

Normally, FIFA offers companies its license to make products under its brand for four-year periods, coinciding with the frequency of the World Cup. At the time of the license renewal, according to New York Times sources, FIFA wanted EA to double the $150 million it already paid them annually for the license. Something the multinational company refused to do.

What are the consequences of this? Essentially, they cannot use the FIFA brand. Neither the name nor the logo nor the World Cup competition. But nothing else. So the blow is hard, but not insurmountable: the 19,000 players, 700 teams and 30 leagues they have registered can continue to be represented in the game, because the image licenses are not managed by FIFA itself. Therefore, EA hopes that with this change, and with a great emphasis on advertising, they will be able to make a change to their own brand in a way that does not significantly impact their income. All this while getting rid of a partner that was no longer proving profitable.

Whether it will work or not remains to be seen. EA has made a laudable effort because EA Sports FC 24 is present in all the places where someone can doubt whether that game is FIFA or not. But habit is strong. And getting it out of people’s heads that they are playing El Fifa might be harder than EA thinks.

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Save the Date: Highly Anticipated New FIFA Title to Launch Soon!

FIFA has become EA Sports FC 24, but that will not prevent it from appearing on the classic dates on which all the games in the saga have always come out

“FIFA, the iconic EA franchise, has a release date set for its new game. It will be on September 29th, according to the information provided by billbil-kun in Dealabs Magazine, who also confirms that the game will have a seven-day early access for those who purchase the Ultimate edition, allowing them to start playing on September 22nd. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that the game will occupy 41.57GB and 39.23GB of hard drive space on Xbox Series X and Xbox One respectively, which confirms that it will have versions for both current and previous generations.”

This comes with a name change, as the game will not be called FIFA 24, but rather EA Sports FC 24. This is because EA and UEFA failed to reach a contractual agreement, resulting in EA losing the rights to exploit the image of UEFA and being unable to continue using its name. However, aside from that, EA Sports FC remains the same as the old FIFA, and as such, we are confident that its fans will enjoy this new installment when it is released in September.

Some of the links added in the article are part of affiliate campaigns and may represent benefits for Softonic.

FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Logo Draws Ridicule and Memes Online

FIFA has presented the new logo for the 2026 World Cup, but the reactions have not been as expected.

Qatar has become history. FIFA is already working on the preparations for the World Cup to be held next 2026 in Mexico, the United States and Canada. In fact, last Wednesday the organization prepared an event where Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and Ronaldo presented the new logo that will represent the World Cup.

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FIFA said in a statement that “for the first time in history, an image of the trophy and the year are depicted together. This forms an innovative visual language that makes the emblem serve for 2026 and beyond”. The new campaign that will accompany this logo, unified under the slogan “We Are 26” (#somos26), was also presented.

It also explains that the simplicity of the color palette (white, black and gold) “is designed to make the trophy stand out. The simplicity, elegance and boldness of the black and white serves to balance with the expressiveness that each city will bring to the brand.”

However, the reception of the logo has not exactly been as expected. Fans and non-football fans alike began to harshly criticize the logo, describing it as “terribly ugly and simple“, among other things.

On what date will the 2026 World Cup be held?

Although there are still a few years to go before the World Cup materializes before us, we already know some dates. Fans will be able to enjoy the tournament from June 11 to July 19, 2026. As we mentioned at the beginning of the piece, the official venues are Mexico, the United States and Canada.

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Some of the links added in the article are part of affiliate campaigns and may represent benefits for Softonic.

Who will win between Real Madrid and Manchester City? FIFA 23 has delivered an unexpected verdict

Does everyone trust City to win? Not all!

You may think that in your city soccer is lived like a religion, but believe me: unless you live in Argentina, there is no place where soccer is much more than a sport than in Manchester. Yes, on its streets you can find the oldest English-language library in the world, interesting second-hand stores and a refreshing celebration of sexual freedom… but, in the end, what dominates the city center is a four-story-high museum dedicated to football. Manchester is soccer, and today is your chance to prove it.

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There they go with the ball at their feet

Today, at 21.00, one of the most eagerly awaited matches for soccer fans around the world will decide who will advance to the final of the Champions League. On the one hand, a Real Madrid that this year has fallen short of the league title against Barça, but has won this tournament more times than anyone else: 14, doubling the second, Milan. On the other, a Manchester City that in 2021 fell just short of winning and led by Guardiola is having a scintillating season and is, in fact, dominating the Premier League.

Many -most of them, let’s face it- believe that this is the year for the British team to win the Champions League and that Madrid will not be able to stop their hunger for goals: they have just beaten Bayern 4-1 and the bookmakers’ own statistics put them as absolute favorites. Does everyone trust City to win? Not everyone!

Enter FIFA 23, capable of simulating matches more or less sensibly. Hey, if a few years ago we all trusted the predictions of an octopus, why shouldn’t we believe in those of a specialized video game? According to this simulation, Real Madrid will win 3-2 with goals from Modric and a brace from Vinicius against Grealish and Haaland’s. Who knows! The most anticipated match of recent times is about to begin: Do you trust your instinct… or FIFA?

FIFA World Cup apps come loaded with spyware

If you plan on visiting Qatar this year for the FIFA World Cup, you’d best be prepared to experience incessant, involuntary, and limitless breaches of your privacy and security. Privacy, you may be aware, is highlighted in the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner’s Special Rapporteur on International standards as a universal human right. Obviously, unless you live in a communist nation.

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The fact is, however, that Qatar is not a communist nation. Qatar is a semi-constitutional hereditary monarchy where the Emir is the head of state and chief executive of the kingdom. Someone seems to have forgotten to tell Qatar about this, though, because the nation is wilfully going against your universal right to privacy. Qatar has mandated the download of two highly-questionable applications that not only track your location and have access to your apps but can also write and delete files on your system. 

Ehteraz is a Covid-19 tracker, and Hayya is an app that controls entry to the various stadiums in Qatar. Hayya also grants visitors access to free usage of the bus and metro transportation services. These apps are non-optional. 

Even before the use of Ehteraz for the World Cup the app was under heavy scrutiny. This is because the app literally allows remote access to your phone and all of its files. Ehteraz can also make calls without your permission or intervention. The app requires that your location services be turned on for the duration of your stay – an already questionable pre-requisite to watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup live. 

FIFA World Cup apps come loaded with spyware

Tom Lysemose, the co-founder and CTO of Promon, an app security form, recently spoke to The Register about the app. ‘Ehteraz is able to install an encrypted file that claims to hold a unique ID, QR code, infection status, configuration parameters and proximity data of other devices using the app. Essentially, it is clear that the app is taking data from the end user for more reasons than are expressed by the given consent button.

Even though this is a terrifying prospect, there are a few actions you can take to protect yourself from these attacks on your privacy. Norway’s head of security is on record as having told the Norwegian Broadcasting Company: ‘I would never bring my mobile phone on a visit to Qatar.’ 

 CNIL, the French data protection agency, suggests that a burner phone may be the best way to secure your private information from the clearly prying eyes of the Qatar establishment.

The best way to circumvent these Orwellian rules would be to enjoy the World Cup from your favorite streaming service. Peacock is confirmed to be streaming Qatar’s 2022 FIFA World Cup from the 20th of November. If you want to get into some gaming action, be sure to check out FIFA 23.

How to watch the 2019 Women’s World Cup online

The Women’s World Cup is here! Here’s how you can watch it!

FifaIf you’re like us, you cannot wait to watch the FIFA Women’s World Cup. However, if you live in the U.S. where soccer is nowhere near as popular as it is in countries where they call it football, you may be struggling to figure out where to watch it.

You might be lucky and have a sports bar nearby that will be streaming every game. However, you might also live in a place where a baseball game would take precedence over a soccer game.

Luckily, we’ve got you covered with services that are here to help.

How to watch the 2019 Women’s World Cup online

fuboTV

FuboTV

If you’re looking to just watch the end of the Women’s World Cup and nothing else, you can do so for free with fuboTV. 

Depending on your plan, fuboTV offers between 99 and 167 channels as well as access to more than 100 events streamed in 4K. 

The service offers a one-week free trial, so you can watch it, and then ditch the service. If you don’t, you’ll be stuck paying the monthly subscription fee, which starts at about $55 per month.

If you’d like, you can really take advantage of the free trial period and add premium channels such as Showtime, which you can also watch unto your trial is over.

To subscribe, either download the app or visit their website. You will need to create an account by entering your email address. You also need to enter your credit card information after choosing a plan. However,  you will not be charged unless you watch beyond your free trial.

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Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV

Unfortunately, you can’t watch the Women’s World Cup with just a normal Hulu subscription. If you could, this would be a pretty short article. However, you can still watch it through Hulu, you’ll just need to shell out a few more bucks.

For about $45 per month, you can sign up for Hulu + Live TV and watch the Women’s World Cup to your heart’s content. You can also get a one-week free trial, just like with fuboTV.

Before you start your free trial, you should check to make sure that one of the channels showing the Women’s World Cup (FOX, FS1, or FS2) are available in your zip code. You can check on the Hulu website. Finally, you need to make sure that your device supports Hulu before you go with this option.

Also, like with fuboTV, you need to create an account with an email address as well as enter credit card information. Again, you won’t be charged until you exceed your free trial.

If you already have Hulu, upgrading your current package probably sounds better than buying a separate service altogether just to watch the Women’s World Cup.

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Sling TV

Sling TVIf you don’t want to miss a single game, then Sling TV might be your best option. Currently, the service has a deal for you to get your first month for 40% off. 

Sure, it does stink that there isn’t a free trial. However, since those free trials were only for a week, you wouldn’t have been able to watch every game for free anyway as the Women’s World Cup is about a month long.

When you purchase your subscription, make sure that you choose a plan that includes Sling Blue. Sling Blue is the only package that has FOX, FS1, or FS2 (it actually has all three). With the discount, Sling Blue on its own costs $15, making it the cheapest option thus far.

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PlayStation Vue

Vue has always been one of our favorite ways to stream live TV. You can build a package that includes 85 channels. You can have up to 10 different DVR profiles. You can watch on your smart TV, computer, phone, or tablet. And there’s a free 5-day trial. After the trial ends, you can still watch all the games on their most basic package for $44.99/month. If you have an Apple TV or a PS4, you can watch multiple channels at the same time.

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FOX Sports Go

Fox Sports Go

If you have a subscription to a cable or streaming service, you can also log into the FOX Sports Go website and watch the games there.

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Watch for free

If you don’t feel like paying to watch the games, you can see all the highlights on the FOX Sports Twitter account. No, you won’t be able to watch the entire game, but you can see every goal after it happens. If you want to watch the games live and in their entirety, then this isn’t for you.

Some of the games will be broadcast on your local FOX affiliate, so if you have an antenna, you can get those games for free.

Wrapping up

For all practical purposes, Sling TV seems like the best choice. It’s the cheapest option you have for watching every game during the Women’s World Cup. No matter what option you choose, we hope you enjoy watching the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup!

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