Why Cristiano Ronaldo on FIFA 18 Instead of Lionel Messi?
The cover of video games, especially those big series like FIFA, often ignites a lot of discussion and debate within the football community. This year, the FIFA 18 cover sparked quite a controversy with Cristiano Ronaldo being chosen over Lionel Messi. So, why is Ronaldo on FIFA 18, and not Messi?
The Companies Behind FIFA and PES
FIFA, the official video game from EA Sports, has seen a series of challenges in recent years. One of the main reasons for this exclusion might be the rivalry between EA Sports and Konami, the developers of PES (Pro Evolution Soccer). Konami has a long relationship with FC Barcelona, and they even hold the license to use the FC Barcelona stadium in their games. This licensing agreement has created a significant rivalry in the world of football video games, which may have influenced the decision to put Ronaldo on the cover of FIFA 18.
The Role of Sponsorship and Politics
FC Barcelona, being a famously rival club to EA Sports, entered into a licensing agreement with Konami. This move allowed Konami to use FC Barcelona's stadium in their PES series. The conflict between these two companies has created a political landscape where contractual obligations and licensing agreements play a significant role. This political subtext might be the reason behind the exclusion of Messi from the FIFA 18 cover. It's important to note that this decision is not solely based on on-field performance or popularity; rather, it could be a strategic choice based on these complex business relationships.
A Matter of Contract
The issue at hand is ultimately a matter of contract between the game's developers and the players. Each video game series has exclusive deals with certain players, and these agreements are made long in advance. For instance, Cristiano Ronaldo signed a deal with EA Sports a while back, securing his presence on the FIFA 18 cover. Contrary to this, Messi's deal might have lapsed or was not renewed, leading to his presence in PES 2018 instead.
Conclusion
So, why is Cristiano Ronaldo on the FIFA 18 cover while Lionel Messi was not? The answer to this question lies in a combination of business rivalries, contractual obligations, and historical agreements between game developers and football clubs. It is a testament to the complex interplay of business and sports that can drive such controversies and discussions in the world of video gaming. Fans and analysts worldwide will continue to speculate on the reasons behind such decisions, but the truth is, it is often a matter of contract and business strategy.