The famous football game series formerly known as FIFA has gone through a significant transformation. The newest iteration is called EA Sports FC24 instead of FIFA 24. This change, according to Gamer.nl, is due to financial issues, licensing, and freedom.

In May last year, Electronic Arts, publisher of the FIFA games, announced that it would rename its successful and popular football game series from FIFA to EA Sports FC, assuring that the game would retain its familiar gameplay, modes, tournaments, clubs, and players. EA Sports FC24, which debuted this month, is the first game under this new title. The renaming is a consequence of EA and FIFA not renewing their agreement, which meant that EA no longer had permission to use the FIFA name.

A conflict originated in late 2021 over renewal agreement negotiations. FIFA reportedly demanded double the price - $1 billion every four years - from EA to use the FIFA branding, which EA found excessive. Despite the latest FIFA game, FIFA 23, earning over $7.5 billion, mainly through live-service elements such as Ultimate Team FIFA points, EA wasn't willing to pay the 1 billion price tag.

Gaming lawyer René Otto suggests that this split may not pose a significant problem for EA as they still retain a sophisticated football game series. Otto speculates that faithful FIFA players will recognize EA Sports FC as the FIFA series and continue to support it.

Moving forward, the real challenge is for FIFA as they will need to find a new partner capable of producing a competitive football gaming franchise. Otto is curious if a future collaboration with FIFA and another company can create a game on par with EA's offerings.

However, the recent changes don't seem to affect the new EA Sports FC24's gameplay, which remains similar to its predecessors. In contrast, FIFA has been trying to develop new games in the football genre, but none have achieved the quality level of EA's games so far.

In conclusion, EA's transition from FIFA 24 to EA Sports FC24 appears to be seamless, essentially making EA Sports FC24 FIFA 24 in all but name. The next challenge lies with FIFA as they attempt to counter EA's ever-popular game series with their own partner-produced product.