The FIFA video game series began in 1993 and ran for 30 years under the FIFA license. In 2023, EA Sports rebranded the series as EA Sports FC after their partnership with FIFA ended. Despite the name change, the game continues as the world's most popular football simulation.
A Brief History of FIFA / EA Sports FC
1993 — The Beginning
FIFA International Soccer launched on Sega Mega Drive. It was the first EA Sports game to feature licensed FIFA branding and the first to simulate real football with an isometric view.
2009 — Ultimate Team Changes Everything
FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) launched as paid DLC for FIFA 09 and became the dominant game mode. FUT's card-pack system transformed how players engage with the game and became EA's largest revenue driver.
2023 — FIFA Becomes EA Sports FC
After EA's $1.5 billion licensing deal with FIFA expired, EA rebranded the series as EA Sports FC. FIFA partnered with other developers for a new game. FC 24 was the first entry under the new name.
Key Milestones in the Series
- 1994: FIFA Soccer 95 introduces leagues and manager mode
- 1997: FIFA Road to World Cup 98 launches with full 3D graphics — a massive leap
- 2006: FIFA 06 introduces the Be a Pro concept for first-person player career
- 2009: FIFA Ultimate Team introduces card packs and squad building
- 2012: Pro Clubs mode added — 11 real players controlling one team simultaneously online
- 2016: FIFA 17 becomes the first in the series with a narrative story mode (The Journey)
- 2020: FUT revenue exceeds $1 billion annually — making it one of the most profitable game modes ever created
- 2023: Rebrand to EA Sports FC — same gameplay engine, new identity
Current Game Modes in EA Sports FC
Ultimate Team (FUT)
Build a squad from player cards, compete in online divisions and weekly tournaments, and trade in the Transfer Market. The most popular mode with massive ongoing content updates.
Career Mode
Manage a football club as a manager or play as a created footballer through their career. Offline, story-driven experience with deep progression systems.
VOLTA Football
Small-sided street football with customizable characters. Less simulation, more arcade-style fun with trick moves and flair.
Pro Clubs
11 players online, each controlling one player on a team. The ultimate co-op football experience — build your virtual pro and rise through divisions with friends.
Kick Off
Quick, casual matches against AI or a friend sitting next to you. Great for parties or warming up before ranked play.
Where to Play EA Sports FC Today
- PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
- Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One
- PC (EA App, Steam)
- Nintendo Switch
- Mobile — EA Sports FC Mobile (iOS and Android, free-to-play)