EA Sports FC 24 Set to Surpass FIFA 23
Following a successful launch, EA anticipates moderate year-on-year growth for EA Sports FC 24, as stated by CFO Stuart Canfield during the company's Q2 FY2024 earnings call. Despite the challenging context of the World Cup, which contributed to FIFA 23's success, Canfield considers the transition to EA Sports FC a significant accomplishment for EA, with the company's global football business exceeding expectations in Q2. Net bookings for the global football business increased by 41% year-over-year, driven by the continued popularity of FIFA 23 and strong demand for EA Sports FC 24. Over 14.5 million fans played FC 24 on console and premium PC within the first four weeks of its worldwide launch, with a notable increase in new players. EA CEO Andrew Wilson expressed optimism about the launch, citing the introduction of new fans to the ecosystem and the potential for long-term growth. The company is preparing for two possible outcomes: strong initial sales due to the rebranding excitement or a more gradual increase in sales over time. Looking ahead, the EA Sports FC franchise is expected to achieve low single-digit growth for the year.