Fifa video game to return after four years in Netflix exclusive

The iconic Fifa football video game franchise is set to make a triumphant return to the digital arena in 2026, marking a significant shift in its publishing landscape after a high-profile and acrimonious split with long-time developer Electronic Arts (EA). In a surprising move that has sent ripples through the gaming and entertainment industries, Netflix has secured the exclusive rights to develop and distribute the next installment of the beloved series, effectively ending a four-year hiatus since the Fifa brand last graced consoles and PCs under its original moniker. This strategic partnership between the global streaming giant and the world’s governing body for football signals a bold new direction for the franchise, aiming to leverage Netflix’s expansive subscriber base and its growing ambitions in the interactive entertainment space.

The departure of Fifa from EA’s stable in 2023 was a watershed moment, stemming from protracted negotiations over costly licensing fees and a divergence in strategic vision. For three decades, the Fifa series, launched by EA Sports in 1993, had been a titan of the gaming world, captivating an estimated 150 million players worldwide and generating immense profits. However, the escalating demands for the Fifa name and associated licenses led EA to rebrand its football simulation as "EA Sports FC," a move that, while initially met with skepticism by some, has proven remarkably successful. EA FC 24, the rebranded successor, continued to dominate sales charts, topping the UK’s best-selling games list for 2023, a testament to the enduring appeal of the core gameplay and the established fan base.

The decision to partner with Netflix for the new Fifa title represents a significant departure from the traditional console-centric model that has defined the franchise. Netflix, under its burgeoning Netflix Games division, has been actively seeking to expand its content offerings beyond passive viewing, and this collaboration is a major coup. The upcoming Fifa game will be developed and published by Delphi Interactive, a studio that, while new to the video game publishing arena, brings a fresh perspective. This partnership is strategically timed to coincide with the 2026 World Cup, a global spectacle that invariably ignites unprecedented interest in football, providing a massive built-in audience for the game’s launch.

Subscribers to Netflix will gain access to the new Fifa game directly through the Netflix app, available on both iOS and Android devices. This mobile-first approach underscores Netflix’s strategy to integrate gaming seamlessly into its existing platform. Furthermore, the company is innovating with its controller functionality, allowing users to utilize their smartphones as controllers for playing the game on select smart TVs. This accessibility is a key tenet of the new Fifa vision, aiming to democratize access to high-quality football gaming experiences.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino expressed considerable enthusiasm for the new venture, highlighting the significance of the partnership with Netflix Games in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. "Our reimagined game truly marks the beginning of a new era of digital football," Infantino stated, emphasizing the game’s free-to-access model for Netflix members. He further described the move as a "great historic step for Fifa," underscoring the organization’s commitment to innovation and expanding its digital footprint. The inclusion of the game for free within the Netflix subscription model is a compelling proposition, potentially attracting a vast new demographic of gamers who might not have previously invested in a standalone football title.

Delphi Interactive, headquartered in California, is also reportedly collaborating with the renowned studio IO Interactive on a new James Bond title, "007: First Light," signaling its burgeoning presence in the AAA gaming development space. Casper Daugaard, the head of Delphi Interactive, articulated the studio’s deep-seated passion for the Fifa franchise, stating, "As lifelong Fifa fans, we wanted to make the game the most fun, approachable, and global football game ever created." This ambition suggests a focus on intuitive gameplay mechanics and a wide array of international teams and leagues, aiming to appeal to a global audience beyond the traditional hardcore gaming community.

The announcement has, predictably, elicited a spectrum of reactions from the gaming community. While the prospect of a new Fifa game is undoubtedly exciting, some fans have voiced concerns about the mobile-centric approach and the implications for the depth and complexity of the gameplay. The legacy of EA’s Fifa series, particularly its console iterations, is deeply ingrained in the expectations of many players who have come to associate the franchise with sophisticated simulation and immersive graphics. The question of whether a mobile-first design can truly capture the essence of what made Fifa a global phenomenon remains a point of contention.

Social media platforms have been abuzz with discussions, with some users lamenting the departure from EA’s development expertise. One prominent comment on X (formerly Twitter) encapsulated this sentiment: "FIFA should never have left EA." However, this sentiment is tempered by a sense of cautious optimism. The same user added, "Let’s see what the new game’s got," reflecting a willingness to reserve judgment until the game is released and playable. This duality in reaction highlights the challenge facing Delphi Interactive and Netflix: to honor the legacy of the Fifa brand while forging a new path that embraces the opportunities presented by a different platform and publisher.

The financial implications of this deal are also substantial. By securing the Fifa license, Netflix is making a significant investment in its gaming division, aiming to leverage the brand’s immense global recognition to drive subscriber acquisition and retention. For Fifa, this partnership offers a chance to reclaim its prominent position in the video game market without the financial burden of licensing its name to a traditional game publisher. The revenue model, with the game being a free addition to Netflix subscriptions, suggests a focus on user engagement and platform growth rather than direct game sales.

The development timeline leading up to 2026 suggests that Delphi Interactive will have ample time to refine its product, particularly given its relative inexperience in publishing. The collaboration with IO Interactive on the James Bond title could also provide valuable insights and technological advancements that might be transferable to the Fifa project. The success of this venture will likely hinge on Delphi Interactive’s ability to deliver a game that is both technically proficient and deeply engaging, offering a compelling alternative to EA Sports FC and other football simulations.

The strategic decision by Fifa to entrust its gaming future to a streaming platform rather than a dedicated game publisher is a bold statement about the evolving landscape of digital entertainment. It suggests a belief that the future of gaming, particularly for globally recognized franchises, lies in integration with broader entertainment ecosystems. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, all eyes will be on Netflix and Delphi Interactive to see if they can indeed usher in a "new era of digital football" and recapture the magic that made Fifa a household name in the gaming world. The journey from the acrimonious split with EA to this Netflix exclusive has been long and complex, but the return of Fifa is now an undeniable reality, promising to reignite a passionate fanbase and potentially redefine the boundaries of sports video gaming.