With FIFA 23 nearing the end of its life cycle, attention has turned to the next football game from EA Sports.
EA Sports have found enormous success with yearly new releases of their football franchise with fans always eagerly looking forward to what changes are made.
From improved visuals to gameplay tweaks, each of EA Sports' football games offers up something slightly different, which can make an annual upgrade worthwhile.
However, there will be a name change for the game in 2023, with EA Sports ending its partnership with FIFA.
So, when is the next game coming and what can we expect? The Sporting News takes a look.
MORE: Why FIFA and EA Sports went their separate ways
FIFA 24 release date - When will EA Sports FC 24 come out?
EA Sports FC's official release date is September 29, 2023.
This release window has often worked well for EA as it roughly coincides with the start of the new European club seasons and ensures the game is front and centre approaching Christmas time.
Why FIFA 24 will be called EA Sports FC 24
One thing to keep in mind is that the next game won't actually be called FIFA 24 and will instead rebranded to EA Sports FC. The new name is the result of EA Sports and FIFA ending their 20-year partnership.
A renewed deal between the two parties could not be agreed meaning the game needed to be rebranded.
While it has lost the FIFA brand, EA Sports has separate deals with 300 clubs and leagues around the world, allowing the player names, clubs, and competitions to continue existing in-game after the change.
"Everything you love about our games will be part of EA SPORTS FC — the same great experiences, modes, leagues, tournaments, clubs and athletes will be there," said EA Sports in a press release at the time of the split.
"Ultimate Team, Career Mode, Pro Clubs and VOLTA Football will all be there. Our unique licensing portfolio of more than 19,000+ players, 700+ teams, 100+ stadiums and 30 leagues that we've continued to invest in for decades will still be there, uniquely in EA SPORTS FC. That includes exclusive partnerships with the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, MLS — and more to come."
MORE: Which teams are the best and worst in FIFA 23?
EA Sports FC 24 trailer reveal
EA Sports teased their fans with gameplay trailer for the first time since the announcement of their new game. They revealed new features to the game as well as the content to expect from different game modes.
HyperMotionV will used to improve the animations of players in-game. It uses volumetric data from over 180 top-tier matches to recreate authentic motion. Their new PlayStyles feature, powered by Opta, means players will have more personal and unique abilities compared to previous years.
They also announced official partnerships with different major competitions around the world. This includes the Premier League, men's and women's UEFA Champions League, Europe's top five leagues and both the WSL and NWSL.
The trailer also gave a sneak peek to a new experience coming to the Ultimate Team game mode. The video shows former American international Mia Hamm come onto the pitch for Luis Figo. This indicates that women will now be in game mode for the first time.
The end of the video also revealed the extra content that comes with pre-ordering the game. Those who pay extra will receive the game seven days early along with six other Ultimate Team products.
MORE: When does the Women's World Cup start?
