In a shocking turn of events, FIFA 23 and all previous FIFA games have vanished from digital platforms worldwide. Twitter user MauroNL first noticed the disappearance, noting that FIFA 14 to FIFA 23 were no longer available for purchase on digital storefronts as of September 2023. However, FIFA 22 and FIFA 23 can still be accessed through the EA Play subscription service. In-game purchases for FIFA 22 and FIFA 23 remain accessible on digital platforms, but solely for those who have already acquired the games. This sudden removal has alarmed fans, as EA’s website has failed to provide an explanation for these delistings, with broken links connecting to past FIFA games.
EA has maintained silence regarding the delisting of FIFA, leaving fans to speculate about the situation. According to the Steam page for the PC version of FIFA 23, the game was removed “at the request of the publisher” and will no longer appear in search results. This fuels rumors that EA intentionally pulled the games in anticipation of the launch of their rebranded franchise, EA Sports FC 24. Although this seems to be a straightforward delisting, there might be a more intricate explanation. EA’s license to use the FIFA name has expired, as the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) terminated their partnership with EA in 2022. EA made this decision in order to create new, player-centric experiences with diverse gameplay options. However, EA has yet to officially confirm the reasons behind the delisting.
As a result of FIFA’s disappearance, those seeking a FIFA-like football experience will have to wait for the launch of EA Sports FC 24. This highly anticipated game is set to release on September 29, 2023, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Fans who preordered the Ultimate Edition were granted early access to the game on September 22, 2023.
The absence of FIFA from digital platforms marks the end of an era for football gaming enthusiasts. EA’s decision to move away from the FIFA name has left fans pondering what EA Sports FC 24 will bring to the table. Will it live up to the legacy of FIFA, or will it introduce entirely new gameplay innovations? Only time will tell. In the meantime, gamers can only hope that EA will provide clearer communication regarding the vanishing act of FIFA and shed light on their future plans for football gaming.
As the industry continues to evolve, football gaming enthusiasts will eagerly anticipate the next groundbreaking release from EA. Until then, the disappearance of FIFA holds a nostalgic aura, reminding us of the countless hours spent on virtual pitches and the players we created. As EA Sports FC 24 takes the stage, it carries the weight of player expectations, hoping to revolutionize the football gaming experience once more.
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