The world of football gaming is undergoing a seismic shift as EA Sports announces the end of its FIFA franchise, and the popular Ultimate Team fansite, Futhead, shuts down. The news has sent shockwaves through the gaming community, leaving fans nostalgic and pondering the future of football gaming.
The Final Whistle for FIFA
According to reports, FIFA 23 will be the last installment in the EA Sports FIFA franchise. The split between EA Sports and the real-life FIFA organization means that EA will no longer be partnering with FIFA for any future games. However, this is not the end of football gaming from EA Sports. The team is planning to launch a new franchise called EA Sports FC, which will include familiar elements like Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs, and VOLTA Football.
Futhead Bids Farewell
Futhead, a fansite that has been a loyal companion to the FIFA community since 2011, has also announced its closure. The site was a go-to platform for many FIFA fans, offering a digital database to help players search for players and design creative teams. Over the years, Futhead faced stiff competition from newer databases like Futbin and FUTWIZ, eventually leading to its decline. The site thanked its community for their support over the years as it bid farewell.
Community Reactions
The news has elicited a range of emotions from the community. While some fans are sad to see these familiar platforms go, others are critical of EA Sports. Accusations have been made that EA Sports "killed" Futhead by making it difficult for the site to update the transfer market and design maps. Even competitors expressed their gratitude for Futhead's pioneering work in the community.
What's Next?
While FIFA 23 marks the end of the FIFA franchise from EA, the company promises that fans will feel right at home with EA Sports FC. As for the real-life FIFA organization, they are exploring partnerships with different developers for future gaming projects that could bear the FIFA branding.
Thought-Provoking Questions
- The Future of Football Gaming: With the end of the FIFA franchise and the closure of Futhead, what does the future hold for football gaming?
- Community Impact: How will the closure of these platforms affect the gaming community, especially those who have been loyal fans for years?
- New Partnerships: Could the real-life FIFA organization's decision to explore new partnerships lead to a resurgence in football gaming, but under a different brand?
Conclusion
The end of the FIFA franchise and the closure of Futhead signify the end of an era in football gaming. While it's a bittersweet moment for many, the future still holds promise with the upcoming EA Sports FC and potential new partnerships for the real-life FIFA organization. Only time will tell how these changes will shape the landscape of football gaming.
