WWE, Is EA SPORTS FC Losing its Edge? Fans Spot Complacency Amid Success as Rivalry Heats Up

Without a doubt, EA Sports FC has been a huge commercial success, but there seems to be a hint of complacency in the air—a tale that wrestling fans will recognize all too well.

As of the end of October 2023, EA FC 24 has generated “7% year-over-year net bookings growth,” according to EA, bringing the total amount of net bookings from live service titles to $1.7 billion. Not bad for their debut EA Sports FC release following the termination of their long-term FIFA licensing deal.

Dexerto gave EA FC 24 a 4/5 rating upon its first release in September of last year. Given the series’ unpredictably unexpected move into the unknown with a new moniker, we came to the conclusion that they had done an excellent job of playing it safe.

The update was much-needed because our news desk is surrounded by a number of important Career Mode players. Training programs had never been more practical; coaches could be hired, and managers could select their own philosophies. Belter.

Since Ultimate Team generates the most revenue, it always receives upgrades. These days, you factor that into your thinking. Though it somewhat diminished your chances of obtaining huge stars from the men’s games in packs, Evolutions has been a cool addition. The inclusion of women in the game’s most popular mode was a positive step for the series. Yes, it did make sense to play it safe.

The problem is that the FIFA video games that we all grew up playing always had a pulse on pop culture. EA took advantage of that and altered the game. Trading card games and collections of stickers. the desire to put ourselves in the position of a top coach making the most important decisions and the rise of major managers as the key players in the game. Make your way up and become the next Rafa Benitez or Arsene Wenger.

To be completely honest, though, those days of adding significant modes and features are long gone. Right now, VOLTA Football is a poor man’s FIFA Street, with a whopping one billion goods that you may purchase to own for a year. Remember The Journey from the last time something truly significant happened in the series? FIFA 17 was a very noteworthy game.

Even after watching the teaser back here, I can tell that this is their most inventive work in years.

Although it was a little awkward at times, FIFA’s story mode was something that everyone spoke about. It created a stir. Many people will still chuckle when they hear the name Alex Hunter. Even though it was only a few years ago, watching it again almost brings back memories. Recall the actual man who played the role when he made his stage debut at EA Play London in 2016?

For those of you who were unable to play it, it was somewhat narratively similar to MP in the 2K games.

It must be acknowledged that FIFA has undergone minor, gradual modifications in the years that have passed. If you’re among the fans that keep an eye on various leaks and rumors prior to the release of trailers, you probably had high expectations for the EA FC 24 launch. There was mention of new leagues that people had been waiting for a long time (looking at you, Brazil), an online career mode that is coming every year, and a free-to-play mode (or full game).

David Jackson, vice president of EA, pledged to players that the franchise will continue to innovate as it enters a new chapter.

Following the publisher’s loss of FIFA rights, he posted on LinkedIn, saying, “We will be deeply committed to innovation in everything we look to achieve in the virtual world of football, as well as the real one.” We still place a great deal of importance on these markers of transformation, even as we reveal our own.

Rather, we received a number of merely “okay” adjustments. There was never anything stunning in the original pitch notes or presentations, and as time went on, there was a tinge of complacency over the franchise’s future. Perhaps they’re taking a long-term approach? Perhaps there is more of the same.

It felt like a new age was about to begin, just like WWE used to announce every few years, and then things would become worse. Look, in 2024, this will be the hottest and most talked-about WWE event yet.

For example, WrestleMania XL grew at the fastest rate in the company’s history, rising 78% year over year. A few months prior, CM Punk made an unexpected comeback on Survivor Series, which garnered over 71 million views on all social media platforms, making it their most engaged social media moment to date.

And why does that stand the test? rivalry.

 

Tony Khan-supported Without a doubt, AEW has elevated the bar for WWE. For a while, they did things incredibly well by bringing in brilliant ideas from the independent sector together with former WWE stars. With Chris Jericho, Cody Rhodes, MJF, Jon Moxley, Kenny Omega, Edge, and Bryan Danielson, among others, involved at various points, it made a lot of people take notice. At Wembley, they sold 80,000 seats, demonstrating their significant progress.

But as time has gone on, interest rates have decreased, and the market leader is now in control. According to Wrestling Inc., AEW ratings have dropped for more than a year. Conversely, Variety stated that WWE enjoyed a rise in ratings in the first quarter of 2024.

After WrestleMania on April 8, WWE began the “Paul Levesque era” on Monday Night RAW, and fans couldn’t get enough of it. Following one of the greatest Mania major events in years, it seemed like a pivotal moment. Anybody creating a significant buzz is now being watched, whether it’s iShowSpeed making an appearance on the biggest platform of them all, Logan Paul receiving a chance following his amazing boxing run, or Tyson Fury attending events.

With better booking, special appearances, and a deeper storyline, they can now finally win over casual followers despite competition from a new challenger.

And considering EA FC 24 and the dearth of noteworthy updates lately, I believe we could use a little more of that.

Rumor has it that FIFA is evaluating bids from prospective purchasers for their video game licensing in order to take on EA FC once more, with 2K said to be among the contenders.

In February, trustworthy insider Kurakasis hinted that a deal may be reached, but he later clarified that these were just old rumors.

These rumors first surfaced in 2021. VGC released notes from an earnings teleconference in November of that year that had been transcribed. From a 2K Games earnings call, they originated.

CEO of Take-Two Strauss Zelnick was questioned about the possibility of buying the FIFA license later on during the meeting.

“We are so happy to have Nordeus in the Take-Two family,” he stated. Top Eleven is a fantastic, well-liked title, and they’re really killing it.

“I am ecstatic to be working as a soccer manager for the Nordeus team through Top Eleven.” That’s a significant advancement for us. We’ve never participated in that sport before. And, well, I suppose I’ll end it there for today.

Given that 2K is a clear competitor in the market, it would make sense if they did at some point (topical point: they began developing the WWE games in 2013).

2K takes a little different tack as well. For instance, NBA 2K My Career, their single-player product, features microtransactions, but it also crafts compelling storylines with every new release. Observing how a different corporation would handle a football game would be intriguing. Perhaps they could accomplish something that advances EA sports. Good-spirited rivalry, as they say.

Whether or not 2K will pursue licensing is unknown at this time. According to rumors, EA withdrew because of the exorbitant annual price tag of $300 million, which was twice the initial request. However, if we use WWE as an example, which was formerly regarded as “out of touch” while being known for its pulse on pop culture and connection to it, it has had a certain resurgence. A big player other than Konami joining the market might have a similar impact on EA FC, though this is not a given.