EA’s FIFA Games Might Be Gone, But Rematch Could Fill the Gap

Sure, let’s take a walk down this memory lane — and maybe hit a few potholes on the way. So, once upon a time in ’93 (seems like ancient history now), EA and FIFA partnered up to launch something they fancied up as “FIFA International Soccer” on the Sega Genesis. And boy, did it hit the limelight! Over half a million copies flew off the shelves in just the first month. Guess they knew it was gonna be big — I mean, having the official FIFA name does give you some major bragging rights.

Anyway, this game was just the start of what we’d call the FIFA game dynasty. It zoomed past all others, like a soccer player on a sugar rush. Fast forward to 2021, and they’ve sold, oh, a measly 325 million copies worldwide. Just a drop in the bucket, right? But then — plot twist — in 2022, EA said goodbye to the FIFA license. I like to imagine there was some dramatic boardroom showdown. Or maybe they just wanted a fresh start? Who knows. EA will still be making soccer games, just under a different banner, marking the end of an era for the FIFA series. Yet, there’s chatter that the FIFA name might pop up somewhere else, like maybe in Sloclap’s Rematch. Could make things interesting.

Now, Rematch is something else. A rare gem in today’s sea of soccer games, overshadowed mostly by EA’s heavy hitters. Not too many contenders these days, besides the trusty Pro Evolution Soccer from Konami — though the new “eFootball” hasn’t exactly won everyone’s heart. Enter Rematch, from the folks who gave us Absolver and Sifu. Yeah, I know, they went from martial arts to soccer. Go figure. Rematch is this fast-paced, colorful 5v5 chaos. Just released recently, and already crossing a million in copies sold like it’s nothing. By June 25, 2025, it added 3 million players to its ranks. Xbox Game Pass helped; not every player had to fork over cash upfront.

Then there’s this idea of a Rematch and FIFA team-up — kind of like an unexpected buddy-cop movie, if you think about it. I can picture FIFA-themed jerseys and whatnot. Sure, some might roll their eyes at buying cosmetic stuff with a FIFA logo, but come on, folks. This is soccer we’re talking about. FIFA’s practically iconic in the soccer world, especially in Europe. Sprinkle a little FIFA magic onto Rematch and maybe, just maybe, it’ll become the next big thing. No new FIFA games in sight, but a team-up event? I’d tune in.

And speaking of coming attractions, Rematch is set to add tournament modes, upping its strategic game. Sloclap might be onto something here. Can’t wait to see how many ways they can surprise us next.