After more than three decades of offering virtual football, EA’s FIFA franchise is finally coming to an end. EA has officially confirmed that FIFA 23’s online servers will shut down on October 30, 2025, marking the close of an era that began in 1993 with the release of FIFA International Soccer on the Sega Genesis. For many gamers, the FIFA series was more than just a game. From weekend tournaments to Ultimate Team battles, FIFA became a cultural phenomenon that shaped sports gaming for generations.
The first FIFA game set the foundation for annual releases, combining fast-paced gameplay with authentic player likenesses and official licenses that brought global football home to consoles and PCs. Over the next 30 years, EA released a new FIFA title every year, culminating with FIFA 23 in 2022.
However, that year also brought major change. EA and FIFA’s long-standing partnership ended in 2022 after negotiations over licensing fees reportedly broke down. As a result, EA could no longer use the “FIFA” branding for future games. Instead, the company rebranded its football franchise as EA Sports FC, debuting EA Sports FC 24 in 2023, followed by FC 25 and FC 26.
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Even after the split, FIFA 23 continued with active online multiplayer servers. But now, EA has announced that all FIFA 23 online services will be discontinued on October 30. This means players will no longer be able to access features like online matchmaking, Ultimate Team, and online friendlies. Offline modes such as Career Mode and Kick-Off will still be available for players who want to keep the nostalgia alive.
While this marks the official “game over” for the FIFA era, EA’s football legacy will continue through the EA Sports FC series.