The world’s largest sports gaming company announced Thursday (Sept. 26) that it will not produce NCAA Football in 2014.
EA Sports (Electronic Arts) has released a new installment in the yearly franchise each summer since 1997. EA Sports’ general manager Cam Weber posted a statement on their website and said the game’s future is in limbo.
“The ongoing legal issues combined with increased questions surrounding schools and conferences have left us in a difficult position,” Weber said. “One that challenges our ability to deliver an authentic sports experience, which is the very foundation of EA Sports games.”
EA Sports brought in $222.3 million in the first month the game was available this summer.
The gaming company has been the subject of several lawsuits directed by former college athletes and prompted the NCAA to end it’s long standing relationship with EA. Both current and former athletes are arguing that their likeness is portrayed in the game and therefore should be compensated.
EA Sports did not use player’s names in any installment of the franchise but jersey numbers, heights, weights and many other attributes matched that from real players for every FBS school.
A settlement was reached today (Sept. 26) that will include up to 300,00 current or former players to receive compensation for their likenesses being used.
