EA’s FIFA sees 15 million players for its World Cup event

Though Electronic Arts didn’t have any big releases in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, it found plenty of opportunities with its top-selling soccer series FIFA 18. This is thanks to the hype around this year’s World Cup, moves into new markets like China, and EA’s esports strategy.

France may have emerged the victor on the pitch in Russia, but the champion has yet to be named in EA and Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)’s esports competition. Thirty-two players will participate in the FIFA eWorld Cup Grand Final from August 2 to August 4, but the overall tournament has drawn over 20 million participants. Viewership for the tournament is also up 80 percent as compared to its previous season.