Take-Two Interactive’s CEO has addressed the rumors surrounding a possible partnership between FIFA and 2K Sports.
During their first quarter earnings call of fiscal year (FY) 2025, Strauss Zelnick was asked directly about the company’s interest in creating a simulation FIFA soccer game.
“We’re in the soccer business,” Zelnick said. “We have the number one mobile soccer manager title in Top Eleven and we’re really happy that we do.
“We’re also very mindful that it’s incredibly difficult to build a great sim experience for console; it takes a long time. And if you do it right, your users are very loyal and very embedded.” “
Zelnick then made note that with the FIFA license, having it wouldn’t bring along with it any rights that a traditional sports entity would.
“It doesn’t come with players, teams, or leagues,” he said. “It’s not as simple as negotiating with the NFL or the NBA or MLB where, at most, you have to negotiate with a league and a player’s association.
“For anyone who’d want to compete in the straight ahead sim environment for soccer, you wouldn’t just have to address one particular brand license.”
Zelnick brought up the company’s happiness with its current sports lineup, which he called a “great portfolio.” From the NBA to PGA to WWE and more, he praised where things stand. That said, he didn’t shut down the idea that a deal could be coming.
“I’m sure we will make more announcements in due course,” he said.
Insider Gaming has heard on multiple occasions from multiple sources dating as far back as February, that Take-Two and FIFA have had a number of discussions, and negotiations, regarding a possible FIFA 2K game. Where things currently stand regarding any potential agreement, however, is being kept close to the vest.
What do you think of a possible FIFA game from 2K Sports? For more Insider Gaming, check out what the Destiny 2 developers had to say about the future of the game.
Forget that tell them remake GTA 3, VC, SA, 4, and 5 also Manhunt 1 and 2 and Midnight Club 3 Dub Edition Remix.
I think it should be a concern of 2K being involved in a sports ip. NBA is basically a gambling sim with Basketball elements, WWE just gets worse and worse year on year. I feel 2K would, somehow, make a more greedy football game than EA.