'FIFA 17' release date: title debuting soon on EA Play?

 EA Games

More information about "FIFA 17" is expected to be released as EA Games's annual EA Play event is fast approaching.

The latest installment in the popular football sim video game is believed to be set for launching during the game studio's annual event.

According to an earlier statement from EA CEO Andrew Wilson during the company's Q4 earnings call, the upcoming "FIFA 17" will feature a "major leap forward in personalization, immersion and competition." However, the game studio's CEO did not elaborate further what the new game will offer upon its release.

While details about "FIFA 17" continue to be under wraps, multiple sources claim that EA will start using Frostbite engine to develop the next installment in the "FIFA" franchise. Based on the report from Game Informer, the game developer will initially use Frostbite in developing "FIFA 17" before they can officially begin using it on their other game franchises such as "NHL," "Madden" and "NBA Live."

EA executive vice president Patrick Söderlund first talked about the plan to transition into a newer game engine during the E3 2015.

According to Söderlund, "I see a world where there is only one tech platform for us long term. We just need to have a conscious plan and strategy for how we get there."

Meanwhile, a leaked cover image for the upcoming game has begun to circulate online.

In the leaked image spotted by Gear Nuke, four of the top football players in the world will replace Lionel Messi on the game's cover. This includes Real Madrid's James Rodriguez, Chelsea's Eden Hazard, Manchester United's Anthony Martial, as well as Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus.

However, EA Games has yet to confirm if the leaked image is the real cover for the upcoming game.

"FIFA 17" is expected to be released for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC September this year.

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