Julien Merceron, the former technology director behind Konami’s Fox Engine, has joined Delphi Interactive as Chief Technology Officer to oversee development of Netflix’s upcoming FIFA game, according to VGC. The California-based studio is working on the FIFA-branded title for the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant shift for the franchise after its split from EA Sports.
Fox Engine expertise comes to FIFA
During his time at Konami, Merceron oversaw development of the Fox Engine, which powered Metal Gear Solid 5 and Pro Evolution Soccer/eFootball between 2013 and 2020. His experience with football simulation technology positions him well for the Netflix project, which aims to “reimagine” the FIFA series “from the ground up”.
“Delphi and Refactor share a very specific approach as we reimagine FIFA Games for the future,” Merceron said in a statement. “With small, elite teams of top-tier designer and developer talent, we can stay true to the core creative vision and serve the great fandom of football. In a way, we are returning to the principles that made the great football games of the past.”
Netflix’s gaming ambitions
The project represents Netflix’s most ambitious gaming venture to date, following the company’s broader push into interactive entertainment. As previously reported, the game will stream to televisions with mobile phones serving as controllers, marking a departure from traditional console gaming.
Theodor Tang-Peronard, partner at Delphi and executive producer of the FIFA game, praised Merceron’s appointment. “Julien is known for football games people loved because they were built with fun and feel at the centre,” he said. “That way of thinking is core to how we’re reimagining FIFA in simulation for a much broader audience.”
Partnership and development approach
Delphi Interactive is collaborating with Refactor Games, the studio behind American football title Football Simulator, which is currently based in Delphi’s Los Angeles headquarters. The partnership aims to create a game that’s “easy to pick up, yet still has depth”, according to Tang-Peronard.
The timing aligns with the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This represents the first major FIFA-branded game since EA Sports’ FIFA 23, after the organisations ended their long-standing partnership.
