EA Won’t Make an NCAA Game in 2014, May Cancel Altogether

There’s some pretty big changes happening in the world of college football, and it’s already changing the world of video games as well. EA have today announced that they won’t be releasing an NCAA game in 2014, and that if things carry on the way they’re going, they may never release another NCAA game again.

This has basically come about because the NCAA have set rules about how their players are portrayed, whilst those same players have little say in the matter. So while EA have done everything correctly – at least in terms of what the NCAA ask for – the players themselves aren’t very happy (and some went so far as to sue).

From a statement by Cam Weber, published on EA’s website:

Today I am sad to announce that we will not be publishing a new college football game next year, and we are evaluating our plan for the future of the franchise. This is as profoundly disappointing to the people who make this game as I expect it will be for the millions who enjoy playing it each year. I’d like to explain a couple of the factors that brought us to this decision. 

We have been stuck in the middle of a dispute between the NCAA and student-athletes who seek compensation for playing college football. Just like companies that broadcast college games and those that provide equipment and apparel, we follow rules that are set by the NCAA – but those rules are being challenged by some student-athletes.  For our part, we are working to settle the lawsuits with the student-athletes.  Meanwhile, the NCAA and a number of conferences have withdrawn their support of our game.  The ongoing legal issues combined with increased questions surrounding schools and conferences have left us in a difficult position – one that challenges our ability to deliver an authentic sports experience, which is the very foundation of EA SPORTS games.