Video game publisher, Electronic Arts has announced that it expects to reach the upper end of its annual bookings forecast, alongside the unveiling of the latest instalment in its long-running “Battlefield” franchise.
The announcement was made at EA’s investor day conference on Tuesday, 18th September.
The upcoming Battlefield release will return to a modern-day setting after the previous three games explored different historical periods, aiming to compete directly with Activision Blizzard’s “Call of Duty” series.
This move comes as consumers cut back on discretionary spending, focusing more on established franchises amid persistent inflation. In July, EA projected fiscal 2025 bookings between $7.30 billion and $7.70 billion, with its American football games, particularly “Madden NFL,” expected to generate $1 billion in net bookings.
EA also revealed plans for an “EA Sports” app, designed to tap into the loyal fanbase of its popular sports titles like “EA FC” and “College Football.” The app will combine gaming, messaging, and sports content centred on global football.
Additionally, EA announced a partnership with Amazon’s MGM Studios to develop a film based on its simulation game “The Sims.” The company expects this to help double the game’s annual bookings over the next five years. The announcement follows the success of Sony’s adaptation of “The Last of Us,” although EA acknowledges the risks involved, as seen in the recent box office disappointment of the film adaptation of Take-Two Interactive’s “Borderlands.” Despite a $115 million budget, “Borderlands” grossed just $32 million worldwide.
