FIFA's partnership with Konami explained

FIFA has aligned itself with producer Konami Digital Entertainment Co eFootball (Before Pro Evolution Soccer). The aim of this new partnership is to ensure the smooth running of the FIFAe World Cup esports tournament which was run on EA Sports. FIFA platform. While many fans still associate FIFA with the blockbuster EA Sports franchise, the confederation's partnership with Konami and eFootball – EA Sports FIFAThe first step can be to separate their brand name from a well-known publisher – a fierce competitor.

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FIFA's high-profile division from EA Sports and moved to Konami

The FIFA name has been synonymous with EA Sports' football simulation game series for over 30 years. At the time, the FIFA The games have become cultural events to watch annually, offering casual gamers and diehard soccer fans the chance to play with their favorite teams and players in iconic stadiums. However, FIFA and EA Sports ended their long-standing partnership due to disagreements over license fees.

FIFA wanted more than the $100 million annual fee that EA was willing to give up and the two giants reached a conclusion that shook the core of the sports gaming world. This split led EA Sports to rebrand it as its flagship soccer series EA Sports FCWhile FIFA announced that it is looking for new partnerships to develop a new simulation title for 2024.

Although it has yet to come to fruition, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has promised that the governing body is in the process of making the new game a reality. Meanwhile, FIFA has made its next big move into the sports gaming industry Rocket League and Football manager For this year's edition of the FIFA World Cup tournament, Konami and eFootball This is the latest addition to the lineup.

Details behind the Konami X FIFAe World Cup

There are two tournaments in the works starting later this year eFootballOne for mobile gamers and the other for consoles. along this line eFootballA vision to bring joy to the global soccer community through esports by being one of the first major sports tournaments to feature a mobile category. For this year's edition, 18 countries have been invited, namely:

Argentina
Brazil
Costa Rica
England
France
India
Indonesia
Japan
Malaysia
Morocco
The Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Saudi Arabia
South Korea
Spain
Thailand
Turkey

According to Konami, these countries were selected based on factors such as playerbase, reputation, and previous performance in similar esports tournaments. The qualifying playoff games began on October 10, and the champions will be selected to represent their country in the tournament. The game is also free for those who want to try it for the first time.

“We are extremely excited to join forces with KONAMI. This collaboration is fully aligned with our mission to promote soccer globally and provide a platform for players to showcase their skills. We believe in a truly inclusive ecosystem that allows diverse communities to be a part of it. . FIFA competitions.” – Romi Gai, Chief Business Officer at FIFA

While this deal doesn't mean that Konami will create another main line FIFA game, it signals that the world governing body is positioning itself as a major player in the esports space and reminds fans that it still plans to be a force in the industry despite its separation from EA Sports. As soccer's premier governing body, FIFA's mission is to continue to advance the game on all fronts, and the collaboration with Konami could help preserve its esports tournament as they work together to create a responsible soccer game title. bearing that name.