The Enigma of Netflix’s Upcoming FIFA Game: Who’s Behind Its Development?

FIFA is making a comeback, but not in the way you might expect. The iconic franchise has rebranded as EA Sports FC after the international governing body of soccer and EA couldn’t agree on licensing fees. The new FIFA experience will be exclusive to the Netflix app and is set to launch next year, just in time for the 2026 World Cup. However, details about who will actually develop this game remain murky.

A recent announcement points to Delphi Interactive as both the developer and publisher. Their only notable achievement so far is securing the licensing rights for James Bond in the upcoming game from IO Interactive. Based in Beverly Hills, Delphi claims to create “AAA games based on the most desirable IP franchises in the world,” but their LinkedIn page lists only 14 employees.

At the helm is CEO Casper Alexander Daugaard, who lacks a traditional gaming background. He reportedly got the idea for a new FIFA game after learning that EA’s $1 billion deal had fallen through. In a LinkedIn post, he expressed his excitement about Delphi being entrusted by FIFA to bring back the franchise to simulation gaming, promising it will be the most enjoyable and accessible football game ever made.

But who at Delphi has real gaming expertise? They did bring on Mikkel Weider, founder of Nordisk Games, who has a track record of rapidly scaling companies. This raises questions about whether Delphi is assembling a large team of developers to work in secrecy on what FIFA hopes will be the next big soccer sim.

From an outsider’s perspective, Delphi Interactive seems more like a financial entity focused on deal-making rather than a traditional game developer. Daugaard has suggested that in today’s digital landscape, having access to a beloved IP, capital for development and marketing, and top independent talent can lead to successful AAA games outside the conventional publisher model.

One potential scenario is that Netflix, FIFA, and Delphi will outsource much of the game’s development to studios in regions with lower labor costs, where large teams can quickly produce a game. Alternatively, they might take an existing soccer sim and simply rebrand it with FIFA’s logos and player likenesses. Daugaard hinted that more details would be revealed soon.

However, confidence in this collaboration is shaky, given the track records of the involved parties. Netflix has struggled to create standout gaming experiences, often resorting to simple party games and cash-ins based on its streaming content. FIFA, on the other hand, has a reputation for questionable practices, including a recent controversy involving a fake peace prize. Competing with EA Sports FC will be a significant challenge for this new venture.

Delphi Interactive and FIFA have not yet responded to inquiries for further information.