FIFA have confirmed a new mobile game to rival FC Mobile.
More than a year after parting ways with EA Sports, FIFA is ready to reenter the gaming market with FIFA Rivals— a free-to-play mobile game created in partnership with Mythical Games.
The move marks FIFA's first foray into blockchain-based gaming, allowing players to buy, sell, and trade in-game athletes through both in-game and web marketplaces.
Mythical Games, known for its successful NFL Rivals title, aims to replicate its earlier success while expanding into the web3 gaming sector.
John Linden, CEO and founder of Mythical Games, expressed high hopes for the partnership, stating as per Sportico, “Our goal is to replicate our success with [the] previous Rivals game and set new benchmarks in the web3 gaming sector.”
Linden also highlighted the game's standout features, such as the inclusion of legendary players and prestigious clubs, saying:
“The combination of officially licensed football stars (past and present), prestigious clubs from around the world, and globally competitive esports gameplay will take sports gameplay to a new level.”
FIFA's gaming legacy poised for a new era after EA split
Since splitting from EA Sports, FIFA has been exploring ways to diversify its gaming portfolio, as EA’s rebranded EA Sports FC franchise continues to thrive.
Within just 10 days of its first launch, the new EA title attracted over 11 million players, with an additional 11 million engaging with its mobile version.
Meanwhile, FIFA’s collaboration with Mythical Games could provide a fresh angle to compete with EA’s dominance.
Speculation remains about FIFA launching a full simulation console game to challenge EA Sports FC, potentially in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Football’s governing body was rumoured to have partnered with 2K Sports for a potential new console release.
However, there is still no confirmation it will happen yet.
The FIFA-EA partnership reportedly ended due to FIFA’s demands exceeding $1 billion per World Cup cycle.
With EA maintaining rights to more than 17,000 pro players, any new FIFA partner will likely need to secure significant licensing deals to stay competitive.