How Cristiano Ronaldo Could Boost FIFA 18 Sales by 10%
The Power of a Global Icon on Game Marketing
Fresh from his historic Champions League victory, soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo has been announced as the cover athlete for FIFA 18—a strategic move that could significantly impact the game’s commercial success.
Why Ronaldo Moves the Needle
- Unmatched Popularity: Currently ranked as the world’s best footballer, Ronaldo has been the highest-paid player for four consecutive years (Forbes).
- Massive Social Influence: With 262 million combined followers across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, his marketing appeal is unparalleled. Nike recognized this value, securing him with a $1 billion lifetime deal—a partnership Forbes deemed a “bargain” due to its potential ROI (source).
The EA Sports Cover Athlete Effect
EA Sports previously featured Lionel Messi (FIFA 16) and Marco Reus (FIFA 17, via fan vote). While Reus is a respected German national team player, his star power pales in comparison to Messi or Ronaldo—a factor that likely limited FIFA 17’s sales lift.
Joost van Dreunen, CEO of market research firm SuperData, explains:
“A high-profile athlete can increase game sales by roughly 10%. Securing the right cover star is crucial, especially since sports gaming audiences remain relatively stable.”
FIFA’s Dominance in EA’s Portfolio
The FIFA franchise is a cornerstone of EA’s success:
- Generated $1.092 billion in adjusted revenue last year.
- Boasts over 21 million dedicated fans.
- Draws tens of millions to its esports tournaments (per EA SVP Todd Sitrin in a GamesBeat interview).
With Ronaldo’s global appeal, EA anticipates a substantial sales boost for FIFA 18, further solidifying the franchise’s market dominance.
Release Details
- Early Access: EA Access/Origin members get 10 hours of gameplay starting September 21.
- Ronaldo Edition: Pre-orders unlock full access on September 26.
- Global Launch: Available worldwide on September 29 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
By leveraging Ronaldo’s star power, EA positions FIFA 18 for record-breaking performance in the competitive sports gaming market.
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