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EA Sports Delays Long-Awaited Return of Its Popular College Football Video Game Until 2024 “To Include College Athlete Names” After NCAA Lifted Strict NIL Rules
EA Sports will reportedly delay the much-anticipated return of its popular college football video game until summer 2024 to allow the developer to include player names.
The company has announced that it will delay the game’s release until the 2024 season, when it will most likely be called “EA Sports College Football 25” or “NCAA Football 25.”
EA Sports had initially announced that the game would return from its decade-long hiatus without player names. However, since that announcement, the NCAA has changed its rules regarding name, image, and licensing agreements for its athletes, who can now apply when the new version of the title is released in Summer 2024.
On Monday, a spokesperson for the Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) indicated that EA Sports was working to include player names in the new EA Sports game.
EA Sports initially hoped to release the game in 2023, but announced the postponement this week
“EA Sports is also working to engage college athletes in meaningful ways, expanding our commitment to authenticity while creating a level of immersion in college football like never before,” said a press release from CLC’s Senior VP of Business Development Dave Kirkpatrick , obtained by Extra credits publisher Matt Brown
EA Sports’ official story behind the delay differs slightly.
Daryl Holt, the vice president and general manager of EA Sports, told ESPN that the development team is building the game from scratch, which is what caused the delay.
“That’s the best date for us to release the game that we believe will meet or exceed our players’ expectations,” said Holt. And cover the breadth and scale of what we want in the game. We are trying to build a very immersive college football experience.”
EA Sports has not released a title in their college football series since 2013’s NCAA Football 14
Kirkpatrick’s press release contained similar statements.
“While many were expecting 2023, EA SPORTS explains that this is necessary to ensure their development team can build the best possible college game with the details and gameplay they are known for delivering to fans,” the statement read. Kirkpatrick.
“In addition to the continued focus on game development, EA SPORTS is also working to include college athletes in the game. We hope to share the plan for athlete opt-ins very soon.
“We know this will be of great importance to your athletic department and coaching staff, so please feel free to share this information with them as well.”
The delay will allow EA Sports to add real players, trademark teams and trophies
When the game was initially announced for a 2021 return, the idea of using real college football players in the game was not mentioned – as NIL was still in its infancy.
The recent expansion and adoption of NIL by student-athletes and universities has led to reconsideration by EA.
“If you look back at where we were talking in 2021, that road was blocked,” Holt said. ‘I think I even said something about the fact that we were passengers on this journey, just like everyone else.
“Well, the way is open now, but it’s still being worked on.”