Take-Two Responds to Rumors of a FIFA Game Below 2K

Maybe the ball isn't round after all?

EA has agreed to drop the FIFA brand and continue the soccer series under that name. EFCWhat happens with the FIFA brand is of course something that most soccer fans are wondering about and rumors suggest that 2K is the one who bought the brand. Given that 2K previously had matches with EA regarding hockey and the NHL, this might be a logical solution. But according to Strauss Zelnick at Take-Two, it’s not that simple.

“I would just like to point out that with regards to the FIFA license, it does not come with rights, it does not come with players, teams or leagues.”

“So it’s not as simple as, say, negotiating with the NFL, NBA, MLS, where you have to negotiate with the league and the players’ union at most. So anyone who wants to compete in a direct competitive soccer environment… you’re not just going to have to deal with a particular brand licensing, there’s a lot more to it than that.”

So it doesn't seem like 2K has bought the license, but on the other hand, big deals are usually held back until they're officially revealed. Strauss doesn't completely close the door either, but he does say.

“We fully understand that it is extremely difficult to build a great sim experience for console, it takes a long time, and if you do it right, users will be extremely loyal and extremely engaged.”

But he's also right that the FIFA name comes with nothing more than four letters and the right to a World Cup. So it's possible Take-Two thinks it costs more than it tastes.