Fifa is returning to the gaming space after a four-year hiatus. Once-lauded as the most lucrative video game brand in history, its return is set to restore joy for long-suffering fans. The organization has announced that it will release a new instalment of its football video game series in 2026, marking a significant shift in the gaming industry. This comes on the heels of FIFA’s extremely controversial breakup with Electronic Arts (EA). EA terminated the FIFA license in 2023, no longer releasing titles under the FIFA name.
EA has moved on to its own separate, EA Sports FC. At the same time, FIFA has partnered up with California-based studio Delphi Interactive to produce its new game. This collaboration promises to deliver a fresh perspective on football gaming, as Delphi Interactive aims to create “the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created,” according to Casper Daugaard, the studio’s head.
The FIFA series used to have a huge player base at around 150 million unique players. This overwhelming popularity is a testament to its tremendous power within the gaming world. The decision to return to the market comes as some fans express skepticism regarding Fifa’s mobile-first focus, particularly given Netflix’s emphasis on mobile gaming for its exclusive title. Taking this strategic direction begs the question of whether this is what hardcore football gaming fans — our most conventional audience — want.
Gianni Infantino, President of Fifa, remarked on the significance of this new game:
“Our reimagined game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football.” – Gianni Infantino
As Delphi Interactive gears up for this ambitious project, it is working alongside IO Interactive on another major title, 007: First Light. This exciting collaboration is representative of Delphi’s continued dedication to providing engaging and polished gaming experiences, no matter the genre.
Though the tough work is still to come, Daugaard and his crew are undeterred. They love to describe themselves as “lifelong FIFA fans.” What’s clear is that their passion for the franchise has been reflected in their ambitious goals for the upcoming game.
Fifa’s return to video games has produced an exciting combination of skepticism and hope among fans. As with any emerging technology, while many are rearing to harness the potential of these new tools, others have raised alarms. One user on social media expressed their feelings succinctly:
“FIFA should never have left EA.” – A user on social media site X