EA quietly delists older FIFA titles ahead of EA Sports FC 24 launch

It remains to be seen how Electronic Arts' branding, or lack thereof, will affect sales. It's possible FIFA was right to ask a high price because the FIFA series' appeal lied mainly in the value of the internationally recognized FIFA branding. But, it's also possible that players will simply gravitate towards whatever EA's next soccer sim will be, regardless of branding. After all, whether it's known as FIFA or EA Sports FC or whatever, it's still going to be made by the same people who's worked on it for decades - for better or for worse.

Ultimately, what's important is the core gameplay experience, which EA has nailed down to a T and what's likely going to drive sales.

While EA's move to erase an entire series from digital storefronts may appear drastic, it isn't entirely unprecedented. If anything, it was expected. If newer soccer sims by EA could no longer use the FIFA branding, this likely included older titles as well. However, this incident shines a light on the complex intersection of licensing agreements, branding, and fan loyalty.

As the world of digital gaming continues to evolve, companies like EA will need to navigate these waters carefully while trying to strike a balance between business decisions and fan expectations.

As for the broader implications, the FIFA series' departure from digital stores highlights a few critical points. Firstly, it underscores the volatile nature of digital game ownership. Without a physical copy, access to a game is contingent on ever-shifting online ecosystems and corporate decisions. Secondly, it underscores the power of branding in the sports gaming world.

Will EA Sports FC carry the same gravitas and allure without the globally recognized FIFA tag? Only time will tell.