
EA Pondering Madden or FIFA as a "Live Service", Instead of Annual Releases
There will come a time where we don't see a new boxed FIFA or Madden each year.
In a world where games are becoming perennially updated, is there really a need to release a full entry for Madden NFL and FIFA every year? That's the question Electronic Arts has been asking itself. The news comes via an interview Bloomberg conducted with EA CEO Andrew Wilson.

"The short answer is 'Yes'," said Wilson when asked about the possibility of switching to online updates for its sports titles instead of annual releases. "There's a few things that's gotta happen first."
Wilson explained that EA operates in a similar way in certain regions of the world already, notably South Korea and China. There, EA releases FIFA every four years, offering incremental updates in between to keep player rosters up-to-date. "I think there's a world where that might also happen in other parts of our business," said Wilson.
"There's a world where it gets easier and easier to move that code around -- where we may not have to do an annual release," Wilson added in an off-camera answer. "We can really think about those games as a 365-day, live service."
Eventually, it's likely that EA comes to a point where the technology upgrades become more costly for an annual release with no major return on investment. As FIFA and Madden Ultimate Team continue to rule the roost, it may be fiscally smarter to offer roster updates for a small fee each year or the publisher could simply transition to a subscription service. Hell, imagine all the ways EA could nickle and dime players with updates! Teams, stadiums, more single-player campaign stuff! The sky is the limit.
Are you ready or fearful for the day when EA turns Madden and FIFA into full services?
In other news
Xbox Is Hosting a Space Jam Game Jam Design Contest
We got a real (game) jam goin' now.
EA Agrees to $1.2 Billion Deal for Codemasters, Take-Two Now Reconsidering Its Lower Bid
Two publishing giants want the makers of the Dirt and Formula One games.
Windjammers 2 Delayed To 2021 As Devs Explore Adding Rollback Netcode
In pursuit of a disc-flinging esports renaissance, Dotemu's leaving this sequel in the oven a bit longer.
NC Dinos Celebrate First Korean Series Title, Hoist Video Game Sword
You call a cup a trophy? This is a trophy.
Need help?
FIFA 20 Best Young Players: Hidden Gems and Wonderkids With High Potential
Here’s a list of the players that have the most to gain in overall rating.
Madden 20 Face of the Franchise Tips - Teams, How to Get Drafted, and More
Here's our walkthrough for Madden 20's Face of the Franchise mode, featuring all the NFL teams, how to get drafted, and more.
All the Best Madden 20 Offensive Money Plays
Here's our guide compiling all the best Madden 20 money plays in one place, so you know which run or pass play to call whenever.
Madden 20: The Best Offensive Playbooks to Use
This is our walkthrough of the best Madden 20 offensive playbooks you can always rely on.