Electronic Arts has removed its popular FIFA series of sports games from Steam and other digital stores and platforms. The move arrives just ahead of the launch of its highly anticipated EA Sports FC 24 title, which will carry forward its football video game legacy.

Why is EA removing FIFA from stores?

The video gaming giant’s decision to take down its iconic FIFA games from online stores like Steam and other platforms is likely related to its partnership with the FIFA organization. In 2022, EA and FIFA ended their long-standing licensing deal for the massively successful football franchise. While we still don’t have any official reason why FIFA titles were unlisted from digital platforms, it is probably related to the ending of the license deal.

Even if the existing titles aren’t violating any agreements after the partnership ends, removing FIFA games still makes sense. With FIFA being a massive name in the sports games genre, EA Sports FC 24 will struggle to establish a foothold in the market. So, having the infant EA Sports FC franchise competing with the vastly more recognizable FIFA games would be unfair. The latter has built a large community of fans over two decades.

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But if you missed the chance to buy FIFA 23, worry not, as the game is still available on EA Play (the company’s subscription service). Physical copies of the game can still be found in retail stores, and you can still download FIFA titles if you have already bought the game in digital stores. So, the support for these games hasn’t ended yet. However, the future availability of this game via official EA storefronts is still unclear.