The partnership between FIFA and Rockstar Games for FIFA 2025 is one of the boldest shifts in sports gaming. Following the end of FIFA’s long-term partnership with EA Sports, FIFA sought out Rockstar for its open-world design, storytelling, and innovative technology to create a new soccer experience. While promising innovative features like rich narratives and dynamic world-building, it also poses challenges, such as being eclipsed by core soccer gameplay. Success for this venture would depend on striking a balance between Rockstar’s creativity and FIFA’s tradition, maybe redefining the genre and setting a new benchmark for sports simulations.