FIFA announces new “Digital Football” vision, an ecosystem of games from multiple publishers and developers
FIFA has unveiled its new “Digital Football” vision, a gaming strategy that formalizes its transition from a single-publisher model to an ecosystem featuring games from multiple developers and publishers. This strategic shift follows the conclusion of its historic partnership with EA Sports in 2022, which had been the exclusive home of FIFA games for nearly three decades.
Under the new vision, FIFA is working with various studios to create diverse gaming experiences. The first major announcement is FIFA World Cup Launch Edition, developed and published by Delphi Interactive. Described as an “all-new FIFA World Cup simulation,” the game will allow players to “write your own World Cup story,” offering a narrative-driven experience distinct from traditional football management games.
The title is set to launch on Netflix during summer 2026, marking FIFA’s entry into the streaming platform space for gaming. This distribution strategy reflects broader industry trends toward gaming on streaming services and reaching audiences beyond traditional gaming platforms.
The new Digital Football ecosystem represents a significant departure from the previous model where EA Sports held exclusive rights to FIFA branding in video games. By partnering with multiple developers like Delphi Interactive, FIFA aims to create a more diverse portfolio of football gaming experiences. This approach allows FIFA to maintain relevance in the gaming space while leveraging different publishers’ strengths and reaching new audiences through alternative distribution channels.