‘EA Sports FC’ Pushes Electronic Arts to Record $1.7 Billion in Live Services Net Bookings in Year-End Quarter

Electronic Arts (EA) reported it saw record live services sales, led by its “EA Sports FC” franchise, in the company’s final quarter in 2023.

Per EA, the “EA Sports FC” online platform “outperformed expectations again this quarter, delivering 7% year-over-year net bookings growth” and pushing EA to $1.7 billion in total net bookings from live-service games from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2023.

More from Variety

• Disney+ Drops 1.3 Million Subscribers Amid Price Hike, Streaming Loss Shrinks by $300 Million

• Alibaba Writes Down $1.2 Billion on Youku, Loss-Making Streamer, as Group Profits Plunge

• Nintendo Ups Switch Sales Forecast Slightly to 15.5 Million Units Following Revenue Drop in Latest Quarter

“EA Sports Madden NFL” net bookings grew by 5% year over year.

Overall revenue from live services at EA stood at $1.3 billion for the quarter, which the company counts as its third-quarter for fiscal year 2024. Full game revenue was $618 million.

“Net bookings” differs from revenue in that it’s accounting for the net amount of products and services sold digitally or physically in the quarter. Per EA, the figure is calculated based on total net revenue added to the change in deferred net revenue for online-enabled games.

“Our incredible teams delivered a strong Q3, entertaining hundreds of millions of people across our portfolio, driving deep engagement and record live services,” EA CEO Andrew Wilson said in a letter to shareholders. “We remain focused on growing our biggest franchises and delivering new, innovative games and experiences for our global communities.”

Net income was $290 million for the quarter. Operating cash flow was $1.3 billion.

Wall Street forecast earnings per share (EPS) of $2.93 on $2.39 billion in revenue, according to analyst consensus data provided by Refinitiv. EA reported adjusted EPS of $2.96 on $2.4 billion in net bookings.

EA stock closed Tuesday at $137.55 per share. The regular U.S. stock markets will reopen at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Wilson and other EA executives will host a conference call at 5 p.m. ET to discuss the quarter in greater detail.

Best of Variety

• New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week 

• Oscars: Best Actress - Lily Gladstone and Emma Stone In a Race Too Close to Call, With Third Party Candidates Brewing

• Oscars: Best Actor - Paul Giamatti Leads the Race, but Keep Close Eye on SAG to Determine Ultimate Victor

Sign up for Variety’s Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.