Gfinity Plc (LON:GFIN) has added one of the most popular video games in the world, FIFA 18, to the line-up for the next season of its Elite Series esports competition.
The first two seasons of the Elite Series have seen teams of gamers go head-to-head on Street Fighter V, Rocket League and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and FIFA will now join that list.
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The competition will also be an accredited FIFA 18 Global Series qualifier, which is a precursor to next summer’s FIFA eWorld Cup.
AIM-listed Gfinity expects the inclusion of the game - which has sold more than 150mln copies around the world - to accelerate commercial opportunities from potential sponsorship and advertising revenues for the the Elite Series and the Challenger Series.
The latter kicks off in January and the top 40 players after the six week season will have the chance to be drafted by one of the professional franchises in the Elite Series, which begins in March.
“Gfinity is the first esports company to secure an EA SPORTS FIFA 18 Global Series licence and we are excited to build on our long-standing relationship with EA,” said Gfinity chief executive Neville Upton.
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“The addition of the hugely popular FIFA 18 to our game line-up adds a very enticing dimension to the Gfinity Elite Series.”
He added: “The Elite Series is growing rapidly week-on-week and the addition of FIFA will only help to accelerate this growth and with it increased commercial opportunities.”