This week marks the end not only of September but also the final chapter for the FIFA series. As some may already know, Electronic Arts did not renew the contract with the organization, making the use of its name unavailable. Up until now, this was something known, but this week we received unexpected news: FIFA has disappeared from all digital stores as such.
If you go into any PlayStation or Xbox store right now (among many others) and search for the name FIFA, you’ll find that it no longer returns any results for the game. Yes, the virtual currency appears, but the title itself cannot be found. In fact, if you search for FIFA 21 through the browser and go to its page, for example, all you get is a “Not available.” We knew this was going to happen, but we didn’t expect it to occur so soon.
With the disappearance of the FIFA series, it’s not just a video game that’s gone, but also a little spot in the hearts of tens of millions of players. Since the launch of the first FIFA 94 (FIFA International Soccer), the series has continuously released its annual installment, as well as some editions related to World Cups or other events.
Who doesn’t remember FIFA 98: Road to World Cup with Raúl González on the cover wearing the Spanish National Team jersey? Additionally, that game included futsal, which later could be enjoyed in various forms through FIFA Street.
We will always remember the fierce competition FIFA had with Pro Evolution Soccer, especially during the late PS1 and PS2 era. This period could be considered the low point for EA’s game as Konami’s production outperformed FIFA in many aspects. It wasn’t until FIFA 08 (approximately) that the comeback began.
Today, FIFA is the quintessential football video game. Well, EA Sports FC, as we need to use the new name. To make matters worse, there won’t be Manolo Lama or Paco González anymore, as their contracts have also ended, making way for Miguel Ángel Román and DjMario. Let’s take a minute of silence for every controller that endured a punch.
