EA Sports has confirmed the return of its beloved College Football video game series with the upcoming release of College Football 26. This announcement comes on the heels of the overwhelming success of College Football 25, which marked the franchise’s comeback after a decade-long hiatus.
The gaming giant took to social media Thursday to share the news, fueling excitement among fans who were eager for more after the revival of the iconic series last year. The decision to bring back College Football wasn’t without its challenges, as the series had been shelved for years due to licensing disputes and legal battles. However, changes in NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies paved the way for the game’s triumphant return-and its subsequent commercial dominance.
College Football 25 shattered expectations, achieving a staggering $500 million in sales within just two weeks of its release. It even claimed the title of the best-selling sports game ever in the U.S., according to Circana’s November sales data. Fans celebrated the game’s ability to let them take control of their favorite schools and immerse themselves in its various modes.
Now, with the announcement of College Football 26, EA Sports is poised to build on this momentum. The company has access to an additional year’s worth of college football data, promising further enhancements to gameplay and features.
The College Football franchise originally launched in 1998 under the name Bill Walsh College Football before evolving into NCAA Football. It was a fan favorite for years until 2013, when legal disputes over player compensation caused its abrupt discontinuation. A landmark lawsuit led by former UCLA basketball player Ed O’Bannon highlighted the NCAA’s antitrust violations, which prevented athletes from profiting off their NIL in broadcasts and video games.
With NIL reforms now in place, EA Sports has navigated a path to include college athletes in the game legally. Over 14,000 players participated in College Football 25, earning $600 and a complimentary copy of the game for allowing their likenesses to be used. The game also featured rosters that could be updated throughout the season, providing a dynamic experience for fans.
EA Sports is confident in their future in CFB
EA Sports CEO Andrew Wilson lauded the success of College Football 25 in a recent earnings report, calling it a “record-breaking launch” and emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering bigger and better gaming experiences. The release of College Football 26 is expected to bring even more innovations and expand on the features that fans loved.
As EA Sports prepares for another landmark launch, one thing is clear: the College Football franchise is back and thriving. With the excitement already building, gamers and sports enthusiasts alike are eager to see how College Football 26 will surpass its predecessor.
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