'FIFA 18' release date, latest news: Next 'FIFA' game to feature 'The Journey' season 2

Game publisher Electronic Arts has confirmed the existence of "FIFA 18" and along with it is the season 2 of the story-driven mode called "The Journey."

As reported by Gamespot, the news was confirmed at EA's Third Quarter 2017 Earnings Call (via Seeking Alpha), during which EA chief executive Andrew Wilson discussed its future plans regarding the "FIFA" game franchise after the success of "FIFA 17."

"FIFA 18 will build on the foundation we created with story mode this year, bringing players back to The Journey with season 2, featuring new characters and new storylines," Wilson said.

"Our development team in Vancouver is delivering deeply innovative new experiences across this year's game, including an Ultimate Team, and creating the most emotionally immersive and connected FIFA we have ever produced," the chief executive added.

In 2016, "FIFA 17" was reportedly the top-selling console title in the world. As explained by Wilson, the "FIFA" player base has significantly grown year-over-year through the game's Frostbite-powered gameplay and the new experiences provided in the "FIFA" Ultimate Team (FUT). In fact, the FUT players have grown nearly 10 percent year-over-year

The introduction of the new story mode — "The Journey" — has also contributed to the game's success, with more than 10 million having played the story-driven game mode.

"The Journey" is a story-driven adventure introduced in "FIFA 17," in which gamers got to follow the story of a young footballer named Alex Hunter. The story mode featured dedicated characters, cutscenes, as well as several appearances from real-life players and managers.

According to GameRant, with the way "The Journey" was concluded in "FIFA 17," it is not certain whether Alex Hunter will continue to be the main character in the game mode's season 2. It is also possible that EA will switch its focus to a new player in a new league.

"FIFA 18" currently has no official release date. However, the sports video game is expected to arrive sometime in late 2017 for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.