EA Looks to Keep Momentum with ‘FIFA’

Electronic Arts revealed that the latest installment of its “FIFA” franchise will be available on Oct. 1, 2021, and features French superstar striker Kylian Mbappé on its cover.

“FIFA 21” has amassed more than 25 million console and PC players since its October 2020 release, and its Ultimate Team offerings helped EA pocket $1.6 billion in FY2021.

FIFA, the governing body of soccer, reported that $158.9 million of its total 2020 revenue of $266.5 million came from licensing rights fueled by video games.

Despite its success, the “FIFA” franchise has also been tangled in controversy.

• In March, EA opened an investigation into allegations that at least one employee had been selling rare FIFA Ultimate Team cards for as much as $2,500 through a back channel. The publisher later confirmed unauthorized sales.

“FIFA 22” marks the second cover appearance for Mbappé, who earns more than $20 million annually with Paris Saint-Germain F.C. 

Mbappé has made $40 million in total earnings in the last 12 months, ranking him fourth in soccer behind Lionel Messi ($130 million), Cristiano Ronaldo ($120 million), and Neymar ($95 million), per Forbes.