Disappointing U.K. start for EA’s FIFA 14 causes concern

FIFA is one of publisher EA’s biggest franchises, especially in territories where “football” involves more kicking than tackling. So it’s a little concerning that FIFA 14’s first week sales in the U.K. are down 24 percent compared to last year’s FIFA 13, which sold 4.5 million copies in its first week, according to Cowen and Company.

The Financial analysts at Cowen and Company were originally expecting flat year-over-year sales for the series. Cowen and Company blames the slow start on the launch’s close proximity to Grand Theft Auto V, which earned $1 billion in its first three days at retail. Still, Cowen and Company says that FIFA sales should pick up, especially with the impending releases of new consoles. However, its urging caution for investors.

This puts added sales pressure on Battlefield 4, EA’s upcoming shooter releasing on Oct. 29 for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Next-gen versions launch with the new systems, PlayStation 4 (Nov. 15) and Xbox One (Nov. 22). Cowen and Company says that Battlefield 4 needs to at least match Battlefield 3’s sales in order for EA to meet financial expectations.