It was announced on Thursday. EA thought they had it figured out and proclaimed that College Football 15 would be released, as usual. This is now not the case. Posted by Cam Weber, EA's GM of American Football, he announced there would be no college football game in 2014.
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.
Cam notes that the main issues are the law suits from student athletes, and a lack of support from the conferences and schools.
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 Meanwhile, the NCAA and a number of conferences have withdrawn their support of our game.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.
It doesn't seem to prove it'll be as easy as originally thought to maintain a college football game. Either way, the fans suffer in this case, as there might not be a college football video game for quite some time. The statement can be read here.
For all of our latest exclusives, previews, reviews and features, follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
