Davidson Abraham writes that brand loyalty plays a massive role in the rivalry between EA Sports’ FIFA (now EA Sports FC) and Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer (now eFootball), two football gaming franchises that have dominated the market for decades
In the world of gaming, brand loyalty is as strong as it is in the beverage industry, where giants like Pepsi and Coke compete for consumer preference. A similar dynamic exists between EA Sports’ FIFA (now EA Sports FC) and Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer (now eFootball), two football gaming franchises that have dominated the market for decades. Despite improvements and innovations on both sides, the rivalry between these two games often comes down to something more emotional: brand loyalty.
In the classic Pepsi-Coke paradox, studies have shown that in blind taste tests, consumers often prefer the taste of Pepsi. However, when the brand labels are revealed, more people tend to choose Coke. This phenomenon demonstrates how branding and perception influence consumer preferences beyond objective qualities like taste.
In gaming, a similar paradox can be observed between FIFA and eFootball. There have been periods when eFootball was considered technically superior regarding gameplay realism, AI, or tactical depth. Yet, FIFA has maintained its dominant market position, bolstered by strong branding, licenses, and cultural presence
Over the years, FIFA (now EA Sports FC) has gained massive traction due to its gameplay and its full licenses with leagues, teams, and players that create a more immersive experience for players. Many gamers prefer FIFA’s polished presentation, slick menus, and engaging modes like Ultimate Team, which have kept the franchise at the forefront of football gaming.
eFootball, on the other hand, has historically been lauded for its gameplay mechanics, offering a more authentic football simulation in the eyes of many enthusiasts. There have been years where eFootball’s physics, ball control, and player movement felt more realistic. Despite these strengths, the game has struggled to achieve the same level of market success as FIFA, often seen as an underdog despite innovations and quality improvements.
Brand loyalty plays a massive role in the rivalry between these two franchises. FIFA’s long-standing association with the official sport, its inclusion of iconic players and teams, and the sheer scale of its fanbase give it a cultural advantage that goes beyond gameplay. Fans of FIFA often stick with the franchise year after year, not necessarily because it is objectively better every single time, but because it feels familiar, trusted, and offers a complete package.
eFootball, despite its strengths, faces the challenge of swaying gamers who have grown up playing FIFA. Even during years when eFootball has arguably delivered better on-the-pitch mechanics, the gap in licensing, branding, and overall presentation has made it harder for the franchise to break through FIFA’s dominance.
Both EA Sports and Konami have taken steps to evolve their franchises. EA’s FIFA transitioned into EA Sports FC, with updated branding and continued improvements in modes like Career Mode and Ultimate Team. Konami’s shift to eFootball saw a pivot toward a free-to-play model, focusing on broader accessibility and updates over time.
Despite these changes, the dynamic between the two remains remarkably similar to that of Pepsi and Coke. Even when eFootball offers a better experience in certain areas, FIFA’s brand power and recognition can make it difficult for Konami to fully challenge EA’s dominance in the football gaming world.
The FIFA vs. eFootball debate mirrors the Pepsi-Coke paradox, where perceptions and emotional connections to a brand can outweigh objective quality in influencing consumer choice. As gaming continues to evolve, it’s clear that both franchises will continue to push each other, keeping the competition alive. Whether one game is better than the other in any given year, the choice between FIFA and eFootball will remain a matter of personal preference, brand loyalty, and individual experience.
Source: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2024/10/10/brand-loyalty-in-gaming-how-fifa-efootball-mirror-pepsi-coke-paradox/
