Electronic Arts (EA) announced yesterday that sales of its EA Sports FIFA franchise have surpassed the 100 million lifetime mark, following the launch of FIFA 11.

 

FIFA 11 netted the company record breaking sales of 2.6 million copies in the first five days after its release in the US and Europe, which according to EA makes it the best-selling sports video game franchise in the world. The latest title’s sales are up by 20% versus FIFA 10’s sales last year on a comparable basis with sell-in approaching eight million units.

 

The company also announced that the popular FIFA 11 Ultimate Team online mode is available for free for the first time. This mode can be downloaded through the main menu in FIFA 11 on any connected PlayStation 3 (PS3) and Xbox 360. It allows players to build their dream team by earning, buying, selling and even trading players with other Ultimate Team gamers from around the globe.

 

“Few video game franchises ever reach the 100 million units mark and we have millions of fans around the world to thank for helping us to this milestone,” said Matt Bilbey, vice president of football, EA Sports. “It is a wonderful tribute to all of these fans playing FIFA 11 that our most popular and played DLC is available today for the first time ever for free.”

 

FIFA 11 is available in 18 languages and 51 countries for the PS3, Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii, PC, Nintendo DS, PlayStation 2, PSP (PlayStation Portable), iPhone and iPod touch. Read our review of it here: FIFA 11.