In recent discussions during the Q3 financial earnings call, Electronic Arts (EA) CEO Andrew Wilson piqued the interest of the gaming community with the possibility of creating a metaverse for EA Sports. Amidst growing curiosity around the metaverse concept, an investor inquired whether EA planned to unify its diverse sports game community into an interconnected digital space.
EA boasts a staggering player base exceeding 700 million, with a significant portion engaging with their sports games. Wilson emphasized the influential role of EA Sports, not just as a leading sports brand but as a key gateway to sports fandom, particularly for Gen Z and Alpha generations. This demographic often initiates their sports enthusiasm through EA Sports titles.
Wilson highlighted the engagement of players, who spend an average of 90 minutes per session in EA games, and then interact with these experiences across various platforms. This pattern presents a unique opportunity for EA to leverage these interactions both within and outside their games.
EA’s financial success underpins the feasibility of this venture. In their recent earnings report for the quarter ending December 31, 2023, EA reported net bookings of $2.37 billion and net revenue of $1.945 billion. This success is largely attributed to the growth of EA Sports FC and the consistent performance of Madden, along with other sports titles like NHL, UFC, F1, PGA Tour, and more. With live services constituting 73% of EA’s business, the company is well-positioned to explore new digital frontiers.
Wilson’s approach to a sports metaverse appears more focused and tactical compared to broader metaverse propositions by other companies who still struggle to implement this technology. While avoiding grandiose claims, Wilson teased the audience with a cautious yet suggestive “watch this space” without unveiling specific plans.
EA’s consideration of a sports metaverse could change how we engage with digital sports. By using its large player base and the popularity of its sports games, EA could change the way players experience sports games, both during gameplay and beyond. As the company remains financially strong, the gaming community looks forward to seeing what EA does next with this idea.
