2K Games Takes Over FIFA Game License for Upcoming Release
2K Games has reportedly secured an official license for their following FIFA game, based on unconfirmed claims made by an online retailer based in Ghana.
The reports made via MohPlay Inc. on May 27th do seem to align with the rumours that circulated in the gaming industry earlier this year. It is believed the possibility that 2K has “secured the official license from FIFA” to create additional FIFA games. The report also suggests that the game, dubbed FIFA 2K25, would launch prior to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is a rather rapid production schedule to make the size of an AAA game.
While the timeline seems to be quite quick, Insider Gaming reporter Mike Straw quickly confirmed MohPlay’s claimed launch date, suggesting that eager football fans can expect “an announcement of a new partnership sooner rather than later.”
If the rumours turn out to be true (and it’s important to remember that these are all speculations and claims as of now rather than any official announcements), It is the very first FIFA game released by any other company than EA after their 30-year partnership came to an end in 2022. The reason for this was that EA turned down FIFA’s request to pay a $250 million dollars annual fee for licensing. EA decided to drop the FIFA logo and created EA Sports FC 24 to continue their football game series.
As pointed out by users who are on Reddit on the day of publication, potential FIFA 2K25 will face tough competition from EA FC titles, mainly due to EA FC’s exclusive rights to the majority of leagues and clubs. FIFA’s license gives 2K the right to name as well as the rights to three World Cup tournaments, which could prove to be a major issue for large sections of football enthusiasts.
On the positive aspect, 2K Games has repeatedly shown its capacity to develop high-quality career models with its NBA 2K games. If they are able to convert that into their first football game, it might become a major attraction for players.