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The “FIFA” video game franchise had one more gift for Electronic Arts before ending its iconic relationship with the publisher.
In its preliminary financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended March 31, 2023, EA reported that “EA Sports FIFA 23” had surpassed the lifetime sales of “FIFA 22” in just six months, making it the most successful launch in franchise history. “FIFA” franchise Q4 bookings — or adjusted revenue — were up 31% year-over-year.
In October, a franchise-record 10.3 million people played the game in its first week, leading to a better quarter than expected — though not one without setbacks.
EA posted $1.87 billion in Q4 net revenue, a slight increase from the $1.83 billion it reported a year earlier. Net bookings for the quarter rose to $1.95 billion — an 11% increase year-over-year and better than the $1.73 billion expected by financial analysts, according to Bloomberg.
However, added expenses led to a $12 million net loss for the quarter — a stark contrast from a year earlier, when net income was $225 million.
While the company didn’t disclose where those added expenses came from, they could be related to FIFA successor “EA Sports FC,” which has been gathering licensing deals from soccer entities individually.
Notably, in the last few months, EA has extended its rights deals with MLS and the Premier League, which reportedly signed a six-year deal with the publisher for $600 million.
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