End Game (song)

{{Short description|2017 single by Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran and Future}}

{{Good article}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2024}}

{{Infobox song

| name = End Game

| type = single

| cover = End Game (Official Single Cover) by Taylor Swift.png

| alt = Cover artwork of "End Game", a black and white image photo of Swift's face with red lipstick and transparent newspaper fonts

| artist = Taylor Swift featuring Ed Sheeran and Future

| album = Reputation

| released = November 14, 2017

| genre = * Pop rap

| studio = * MXM (Los Angeles & Stockholm)

  • Seismic Activities (Portland)
  • Tree Sound (Atlanta)

| length = 4:04

| label = Big Machine

| writer = * Taylor Swift

| producer = * Max Martin

  • Shellback

| chronology = Taylor Swift singles

| prev_title = ...Ready for It?

| prev_year = 2017

| next_title = New Year's Day

| next_year = 2017

| misc = {{Extra chronology

| artist = Ed Sheeran

| type = single

| prev_title = Boa Me

| prev_year = 2017

| title = End Game

| year = 2017

| next_title = "Perfect Duet" version

| next_year = 2017

}}{{Extra chronology

| artist = Future

| type = single

| prev_title = Real Thing

| prev_year = 2017

| title = End Game

| year = 2017

| next_title = Patek Water

| next_year = 2017

}}

{{External music video|{{YouTube|dfnCAmr569k|"End Game"}}

}}

}}

"End Game" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift featuring the English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and the American rapper Future. Written alongside producers Max Martin and Shellback, it was released on November 14, 2017, as the third single from her sixth studio album, Reputation. "End Game" is an incorporation of pop rap and R&B. It features loose vocal cadences and hip-hop-influenced drums that create trap beats. The lyrics are about finding true love amidst the gossip on ones' perceived reputations.

Contemporary critics received "End Game" with mixed reviews; some praised the hip-hop experimentation and Future's appearance and hailed the production as catchy, but others found the track and Sheeran's appearance uninteresting. The single reached the top 40 on the singles charts and received platinum certifications in Australia, Canada, and the U.S.

A music video for the single, directed by Joseph Kahn, was released on January 12, 2018. The video depicts Swift partying with Future in Miami, with Sheeran in Tokyo, and with other friends in London. Swift performed "End Game" at the 2017 Jingle Ball, during the shows of her 2018 Reputation Stadium Tour, and as a surprise song at the Eras Tour in 2023. Swift and Sheeran sang the song again in 2024 as part of a mashup with "Everything Has Changed" (2012) and "Thinking Out Loud" (2014) on the fourth night in London.

Production and composition

{{Listen

| filename = End Game (song sample).ogg

| title = "End Game"

| pos = left

| description = "End Game" is a hybrid of pop, R&B and hip hop that finds Swift talking about her desire to be her lover's "end game".}}

"End Game" was produced by Max Martin and Shellback. The two also co-wrote the song with Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Future. Swift is credited as the main singer, while Sheeran and Future are credited as featured artists.{{cite web |title=reputation by Taylor Swift|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/reputation/1440933849 |publisher=Apple Music |access-date=May 4, 2020 |archive-date=July 16, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200716194305/https://music.apple.com/us/album/reputation/1440933849 |url-status=live }} It was recorded for Swift's sixth studio album, Reputation (2017). The song is the only song on Reputation that features guest artists. For his songwriting, Sheeran came up with the inspiration while attending a Fourth of July party at Swift's residence in Rhode Island. At that party, Sheeran encountered Cherry Seaborn, a girl who went to the same school with him. They reconnected and ultimately became married. His verse includes a reference to the film Born on the Fourth of July (1989), a symbol of the beginning of his relationship with Seaborn.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/music/2018/02/09/taylor-swift-ed-sheeran-new-behind-the-scenes-video/|title=Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran reveal the romantic inspiration for his 'End Game' rap|first=Mary Kate|last=Carr|date=February 9, 2018|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=February 9, 2018|archive-date=February 11, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180211202721/http://ew.com/music/2018/02/09/taylor-swift-ed-sheeran-new-behind-the-scenes-video/|url-status=live}} The song was recorded at three studios: MXM Studios in Los Angeles and Stockholm, Seismic Activities Studios in Portland, Oregon, and Tree Sound Studios in Atlanta. It was mixed by Serban Ghenea at MixStar Studios in Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Mastered by Randy Merrill at Sterling Sound Studios in New York.

Musically, "End Game" is a hybrid of hip hop and R&B.{{cite web |last1=Garvey |first1=Meaghan |title='End Game' [ft. Future & Ed Sheeran] by Taylor Swift Review |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/taylor-swift-end-game-ft-future-and-ed-sheeran/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=July 25, 2020 |date=November 10, 2017 |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818150521/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/taylor-swift-end-game-ft-future-and-ed-sheeran/ |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/taylor-swift-reputation-sheffield-review-most-intimate-lp-w511359|title=Taylor Swift 'Reputation' Is the Most Intimate LP of Taylor Swift's Career|first=Rob|last=Sheffield|author-link=Rob Sheffield|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=November 9, 2017|archive-date=November 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171110140315/http://www.rollingstone.com/music/albumreviews/taylor-swift-reputation-sheffield-review-most-intimate-lp-w511359|url-status=live}} Billboard categorized the song as pop-rap.{{cite magazine |last1=Billboard Staff |title=Taylor Swift's 40 Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits |url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/7423130/taylor-swift-songs-best-hits-list |magazine=Billboard |access-date=May 4, 2020 |date=December 11, 2019 |archive-date=January 31, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200131052600/https://www.billboard.com/photos/7423130/taylor-swift-songs-best-hits-list |url-status=live }} The song incorporates loose cadences, trap beats, and hip hop-influenced drums, which Pitchfork{{'s}} Meaghan Garvey described as representative of 2017's hip hop/R&B trends. In the lyrics, the three artists talk about their true love amidst the gossip about their perceived reputations.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2017/11/taylor-swift-end-game-review-future-ed-sheeran/|title=Taylor Swift's 'End Game' Is Fine, But You Should Just Listen to an Actual Future Song|work=Spin|first=Brian|last=Josephs|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=August 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180828122744/https://www.spin.com/2017/11/taylor-swift-end-game-review-future-ed-sheeran/|url-status=live}} At the song's beginning, Swift asserts that she and her lover both have "bad" and "big reputations". Future then echoes this perspective, saying that he has a "bad boy persona, that's what they like". In his part, Sheeran raps about how his love interest was "born on the Fourth of July".{{cite web|url=https://www.theringer.com/music/2017/11/10/16633196/taylor-swift-reputation-review|title=Taylor Swift Stakes Her 'Reputation' on Big Sounds and Petty Grievances|first=Lindsay|last=Zoladz|work=The Ringer|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109041103/https://www.theringer.com/music/2017/11/10/16633196/taylor-swift-reputation-review|url-status=live}} For Swift's part, she channels half-singing, half-rapping delivery found in hip hop,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/arts/music/taylor-swift-reputation-review.html|title=Taylor Swift Is a 2017 Pop Machine on 'Reputation,' but at What Cost?|work=The New York Times|first=Jon|last=Caramanica|author-link=Jon Caramanica|date=November 9, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=January 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127090052/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/09/arts/music/taylor-swift-reputation-review.html|url-status=live}} making fun of the media gossip on her image: "I swear I don't love the drama / It loves me."{{cite web|url=https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/taylor-swift-reputation/|title=Review: Taylor Swift, Reputation|first=Sal|last=Cinquemani|work=Slant Magazine|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=October 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201007203951/https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/taylor-swift-reputation/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.popmatters.com/taylor-swift-reputation-2508938496.html|title=Taylor Swift: Reputation (review)|first=Evan|last=Sawdey|work=PopMatters|date=November 13, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=September 27, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927125838/https://www.popmatters.com/taylor-swift-reputation-2508938496.html|url-status=live}} The chorus finds Swift singing "I wanna be your endgame" to her lover.

Release and promotion

On November 7, 2017, Swift announced track listing of Reputation, where "End Game" was unveiled.{{cite web|title=Taylor Swift Details New Album reputation|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-details-new-album-reputation/|first=Sam|last=Sodomsky|date=November 8, 2017|website=Pitchfork|access-date=February 24, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108073847/https://pitchfork.com/news/taylor-swift-details-new-album-reputation/|archive-date=November 8, 2017}} Three days later, the album was released with "End Game" being its second track. The song was picked as the third single promoting the project.{{Cite web|url=https://www.glamour.com/story/taylor-swift-words-in-end-game-video|title=Taylor Swift's Fans Have Already Figured Out the Secret Words in the 'End Game' Video|work=Glamour|first=Christopher|last=Rosa|date=January 11, 2018|access-date=February 24, 2022|archive-date=February 24, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220224084608/https://www.glamour.com/story/taylor-swift-words-in-end-game-video|url-status=live}} On November 14, Mercury Records issued the song to French radio airplay, while in the United States, Republic Records pushed the track to contemporary hit radio panels.

Swift and Sheeran performed "End Game" for the first time during the Jingle Ball festival hosted by iHeartRadio on December 2, 2017.{{cite magazine|url=http://ew.com/music/2017/12/02/jingle-ball-taylor-swift-ed-sheeran/|title=Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran rock Jingle Ball with first live performance of 'End Game'|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=December 2, 2017|access-date=December 21, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222105837/http://ew.com/music/2017/12/02/jingle-ball-taylor-swift-ed-sheeran/|url-status=live}} A solo version of the song was included in the regular set list for Swift's Reputation Stadium Tour (2018).{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8455216/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-set-list |title=Here Are All the Songs Taylor Swift Played on the Opening Night of the Reputation Tour |magazine= Billboard |access-date=November 29, 2018 |archive-date=May 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180522091658/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8455216/taylor-swift-reputation-tour-set-list |url-status=live}} Swift performed "End Game" as an acoustic surprise song as part of her Eras Tour concert on November 11, 2023, in Buenos Aires,{{cite news |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/taylor-swift-is-it-over-now-out-of-the-woods-live-buenos-aires-1235469340/ |title=Taylor Swift Debuts 'Is It Over Now?' Live in Buenos Aires in Mashup With 'Out of the Woods' |magazine=Billboard |date=November 11, 2023 |access-date=November 12, 2023 |first=Ashley |last=Iasimone}} and with Sheeran as a mashup with "Everything Has Changed" and "Thinking Out Loud" on August 15, 2024, in London.{{Cite web |title=Eras Tour: Ed Sheeran joins Taylor Swift for Wembley show |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwyw74p8ejeo |access-date=August 23, 2024 |website=www.bbc.com|date=August 15, 2024 }}

Critical reception

{{Multiple image

| align = right

| image1 = Future (Nayvadius Cash) at the SPIN party at Stubb's at SXSW 2014--43 (15862570795).jpg

| width1 = 146

| image2 = 12 - Ed Sheeran.jpg

| width2 = 140

| footer = Critics praised the verse by Future (left), but were less favorable toward the verse by Ed Sheeran (right).

}}

The song received mixed reviews from critics. Kitty Empire from The Observer selected "End Game" as an example for Swift's experimentation with R&B on Reputation, noting that it "isn't very good".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/12/taylor-swift-reputation-review|title=Taylor Swift: Reputation review – lust, loss and revenge|first=Kitty|last=Empire|author-link=Kitty Empire|work=The Observer|date=November 12, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2018|archive-date=December 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206025901/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/12/taylor-swift-reputation-review|url-status=live}} In a review by Pitchfork, Meaghan Garvey was not impressed by the guest appearances of Future and Sheeran, the former of which was seemingly a means to help Swift stay relevant with contemporary hip hop trends. Garvey also criticized the production as bland, feeling that the song is an "uninspired" attempt at the authentic hip hop sound: "The decisions here feel measured to the point of lifelessness; preoccupied by the end game, risks become liabilities." Brian Josephs from Spin praised Future's verse, feeling that the rapper "fully owned it, making him a bizarrely good fit for a modern day Swift song". Josephs however was disappointed with Sheeran's appearance, and considered the song's overall theme of "attempting to find love in spite of real or perceived enemies" similar to previous "far better" songs by Future.

Writing for PopMatters, Evan Sawdey picked "End Game" as one of Reputation{{'s}} "misguided" songs, alongside "Look What You Made Me Do" and "This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things". Though complimentary of Future's appearance and Swift's lyrics, Lindsay Lozadz from The Ringer panned Sheeran's verse as "rapping so hard that you can practically smell the sweat he breaks trying to keep up with Future", which blemished the whole song. Michelle Da Silva from Now was critical of Swift's lyrics about drama and vengeance, deeming it inauthentic to her persona.{{cite web |last1=Da Silva |first1=Michelle |title=Taylor Swift has changed for the worse on Reputation |url=https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/taylor-swift-bad-reputation |website=Now |access-date=July 25, 2020 |date=November 13, 2017 |archive-date=July 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726085446/https://nowtoronto.com/music/album-reviews/taylor-swift-bad-reputation |url-status=live }}

On a positive side, New York{{'s}} Frank Guan lauded "End Game" as one of the best songs on Reputation, mostly thanks to the verse of Future and Swift's witty lyrics about her perceived image, and said that the song had potentials to be a chart success.{{Cite news|url=http://www.vulture.com/2017/11/reviewing-taylor-swifts-new-years-day-and-end-game.html|title=The Best Songs on Taylor Swift's Reputation Are the Least Aggrieved|last=Guan|first=Frank|work=New York|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=December 22, 2017|archive-date=December 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171222162359/http://www.vulture.com/2017/11/reviewing-taylor-swifts-new-years-day-and-end-game.html|url-status=live}} Raise Bruner from Time considered the song to be Swift at her peak: "emotionally open, but ready and willing to have some fun with the hype around her own persona".{{Cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5017724/taylor-swift-reputation-explained/|title=Analyzing Every Song on Taylor Swift's 'Reputation'|magazine=Time|access-date=December 22, 2018|date=November 10, 2017|archive-date=June 21, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180621040320/http://time.com/5017724/taylor-swift-reputation-explained/|url-status=live|first=Raise|last=Bruner}} Spencer Kornharber from The Atlantic called the song "maddeningly catchy" and compared its styles to music by Rihanna.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/reputation-taylor-swift-first-review/545561/|title=The Old Taylor Swift Is Hiding Within Reputation|first=Spencer|last=Kornharber|work=The Atlantic|date=November 10, 2017|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=June 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625050316/https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/11/reputation-taylor-swift-first-review/545561/|url-status=live}} Rob Sheffield from Rolling Stone was similarly positive, calling it "deeply weird, wildly funny", praising the chemistry of the three artists and Swift's witty lyrics.

"End Game" was one of the award-winning songs at the 2019 BMI Awards.{{cite web|title=Sting, Imagine Dragons and Martin Bandier Honored at BMI's 67th Annual Pop Awards|url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-pop-awards|publisher=Broadcast Music, Inc.|access-date=May 16, 2019|date=May 16, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515103536/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-pop-awards|url-status=live}} It also won Pop Award at the 2019 BMI London Awards, in honor of songwriters and producers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-london-awards|title=Noel Gallagher and World's Top Songwriters Honored at 2019 BMI London Awards|date=October 21, 2019|publisher=Broadcast Music, Inc.|access-date=October 23, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022175744/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-london-awards|url-status=live}}

=Accolades=

class="wikitable"
Year

! Organization

! Award

! Result

! Ref.

scope="row" rowspan="1"| 2018

| Teen Choice Awards

| Choice Music Collaboration

| {{nom}}

|{{cite web|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/943773/teen-choice-awards-2018-avengers-infinity-war-black-panther-and-riverdale-among-top-nominees|title=Teen Choice Awards 2018: Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther and Riverdale Among Top Nominees|last=Cohen|first=Jess|work=E! News|date=June 13, 2018|access-date=June 13, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613220922/https://www.eonline.com/news/943773/teen-choice-awards-2018-avengers-infinity-war-black-panther-and-riverdale-among-top-nominees|url-status=live}}

scope="row" rowspan="4"| 2019
rowspan=2| BMI Awards

| Award Winning Song

| {{won}}

| rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|{{cite web|title=Sting, Imagine Dragons and Martin Bandier Honored at BMI's 67th Annual Pop Awards|url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-pop-awards|website=BMI|access-date=May 16, 2019|date=May 16, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515103536/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-pop-awards|url-status=live}}

Publisher of the Year

| {{won}}

BMI London Award

| Pop Award

| {{won}}

| style="text-align:center;"|{{Cite web|url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-london-awards|title=Noel Gallagher and World's Top Songwriters Honored at 2019 BMI London Awards|date=October 21, 2019|website=BMI.com|language=en|access-date=October 23, 2019|archive-date=October 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022175744/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-london-awards|url-status=live}}

Commercial performance

File:Taylor Swift - Reputation Tour Seattle - End Game (cropped).jpg (2018)]]

"End Game" was the only non-single song from Reputation to debut on the US Billboard Hot 100 upon the release of the parent album.{{cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2018/01/review-taylor-swift-ed-sheeran-and-futures-end-game-video.html|title=Taylor Swift Strikes All the Right Notes in Her 'End Game' Video|first=Frank|last=Guan|work=New York|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131120706/https://www.vulture.com/2018/01/review-taylor-swift-ed-sheeran-and-futures-end-game-video.html|url-status=live}} It debuted on the chart dated December 9, 2017, at number 86, earning Swift her 75th Hot 100 entry.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8053811/taylor-swift-75th-hot-100-hit-end-game-ties-ray-charles|title=Taylor Swift Scores 75th Hot 100 Hit, Ties Ray Charles for 10th-Most of All Time|date=November 28, 2017|first=Gary|last=Trust|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 30, 2021|url-access=subscription|archive-date=November 29, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171129014008/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8053811/taylor-swift-75th-hot-100-hit-end-game-ties-ray-charles|url-status=live}} "End Game" debuted at number 32 on the Mainstream Top 40, before rising to number 26 the following week.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8039607/taylor-swift-end-game-new-years-day-pop-songs-country-airplay-charts|title=Taylor Swift Debuts on Pop Songs Chart With 'End Game' & Country Airplay With 'New Year's Day'|first=Gary|last=Trust|date=November 20, 2017|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=September 11, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210911145853/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8039607/taylor-swift-end-game-new-years-day-pop-songs-country-airplay-charts|url-status=live}} It debuted at number 38 on the Adult Top 40, eventually peaking at number 13. In its third charting week, "End Game" rose to number 39, giving Swift her 55th Hot 100 top-40 chart entry and becoming Reputation{{'s}} fifth top-40 song, following "Look What You Made Me Do", "...Ready for It?", "Gorgeous", and "Call It What You Want".{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8070805/taylor-swift-end-game-top-40-hot-100-chart-moves|title=Hot 100 Chart Moves: Taylor Swift Tallies 55th Top 40 Hit With 'End Game'|first=Gary|last=Trust|date=December 15, 2017|url-access=subscription|magazine=Billboard|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216020845/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8070805/taylor-swift-end-game-top-40-hot-100-chart-moves|url-status=live}} "End Game" later reached a peak of number 18.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8095345/camila-cabello-havana-young-thug-hot-100-number-1|title=Camila Cabello Earns First Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 With 'Havana,' Featuring Young Thug|magazine=Billboard|last=Trust|first=Gary|date=January 22, 2018|access-date=January 23, 2018|archive-date=July 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180727180525/https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/8095345/camila-cabello-havana-young-thug-hot-100-number-1|url-status=live|url-access=subscription}} The single peaked at number 10 on the Mainstream Top 40, and number 25 on the Rhythmic Songs chart. It was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for exceeding 1,000,000 units based on sales and streaming in the U.S.

In Canada, "End Game" peaked at number 11 on the Canadian Hot 100 and was certified platinum by Music Canada. The single peaked at number 36 on the Australian ARIA Charts and was certified platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). It was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry in the U.K., where it peaked at number 49 on the UK Singles Chart. The song was also certified platinum in Brazil and double platinum in Norway.

Music video

On December 2, 2017, Sheeran confirmed at the Jingle Ball festival that a music video for the song would be released.{{cite news|url=http://www.etonline.com/taylor-swift-and-ed-sheeran-are-bff-goals-while-performing-end-game-jingle-ball-watch-92028|title=Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran Are BFF Goals While Performing 'End Game' at Jingle Ball|last=Calvario|first=Liz|work=Entertainment Tonight|date=December 2, 2017|access-date=December 3, 2017|archive-date=December 2, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202235612/http://www.etonline.com/taylor-swift-and-ed-sheeran-are-bff-goals-while-performing-end-game-jingle-ball-watch-92028|url-status=live}} On January 10, 2018, Swift revealed through her social media app "The Swift Life"—an app created with Glu Mobile for fans in support of Reputation{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8492071/taylor-swift-the-swift-life-app-shut-down|title=Taylor Swift's 'The Swift Life' App to Shut Down|magazine=Billboard|first=Rania|last=Aniftos|date=January 2, 2019|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926132555/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8492071/taylor-swift-the-swift-life-app-shut-down|url-status=live}}—with a still image from the video and text that the music video for the song would be released on January 12, that she would be releasing more stills, and that after a snippet of the video would premiere on Good Morning America on January 11.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/taylor-swift-teases-end-game-video-ed-sheeran-future-pic-8093730/|title=Taylor Swift Teases 'End Game' Video With Ed Sheeran and Future: See Pic|first=Nina|last=Braca|magazine=Billboard|date=January 10, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=September 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926132555/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8492071/taylor-swift-the-swift-life-app-shut-down|url-status=live}} Swift premiered a 20-second snippet on Good Morning America, and posted it on her social media accounts later that day.{{cite web|title=1st look at Taylor Swift's new 'End Game' video with Future and Ed Sheeran|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/exclusive-1st-taylor-swifts-end-game-video-future/story?id=52273494|access-date=July 13, 2020|work=ABC News|date=January 11, 2018|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713194556/https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/exclusive-1st-taylor-swifts-end-game-video-future/story?id=52273494|url-status=live}}

On January 12, 2018, Swift uploaded the video onto her Vevo channel.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5097768/end-game-video-taylor-swift/|title=Taylor Swift Just Dropped Her Highly Anticipated 'End Game' Music Video With Future|first=Raisa|last=Bruner|magazine=Time|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109042940/https://time.com/5097768/end-game-video-taylor-swift/|url-status=live}} Directed by Joseph Kahn, the video depicts Swift partying at three locations during nighttime: with Future and partygoers on a yacht in Miami, with Sheeran at a nightclub in Tokyo, and with various friends on a double decker bus in London.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swifts-new-globe-trotting-end-game-video-125342/|title=Watch Taylor Swift's New Globe-Trotting 'End Game' Video|first=Ryan|last=Reed|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=January 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210129200728/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/watch-taylor-swifts-new-globe-trotting-end-game-video-125342/|url-status=live}} While singing/rapping with Future, Swift is seen riding shotgun in a Lamborghini Aventador with him. In one of the London scenes, Swift is seen sitting on a bar playing Snake on a handheld game console, a reference to her reputation as a "snake" during promotion of the album.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/photos/8094112/taylor-swift-end-game-video-best-moments|title=Taylor Swift's 11 Best Moments From Her 'End Game' Video With Future and Ed Sheeran|magazine=Billboard|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201120106/https://www.billboard.com/photos/8094112/taylor-swift-end-game-video-best-moments|url-status=live}} This reference is also noted in one of the Tokyo scenes, in which Swift rides a motorcycle in a snakeskin-patterned bodysuit.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2018/1/14/16883112/taylor-swift-end-game-music-video-ed-sheeran-future-frame-by-frame|title=I have something to say about every frame of the new Taylor Swift video|work=The Verge|first=Kaitlyn|last=Tiffany|date=January 14, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=February 6, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210206084349/https://www.theverge.com/tldr/2018/1/14/16883112/taylor-swift-end-game-music-video-ed-sheeran-future-frame-by-frame|url-status=live}} The superyacht MIZU was used for the Miami filming.{{cite web |url=https://www.yachtcharterfleet.com/news/superyacht-mizu-stars-in-lend-gamer-music-video-alongside-taylor-swift-and-ed-sheeran |title=Superyacht MIZU stars in 'End Game' music video alongside Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran |last=Damborsky |first=Katia |date=October 17, 2018 |access-date=December 21, 2022 |archive-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207170833/https://www.yachtcharterfleet.com/news/superyacht-mizu-stars-in-lend-gamer-music-video-alongside-taylor-swift-and-ed-sheeran |url-status=live }}

Frank Guan from New York observed that the video effectively eschewed Swift's previously well-known girl next door image, by "drinking, playing a game on her mobile phone, hamming it up at a karaoke bar, cheerfully failing at Dance Dance Revolution, really getting into Future, having a crowd of friends with only a few white girls and no white guys [apart from Ed Sheeran] in sight". Guan was impressed by the video's nighttime aesthetics featuring darkness against flashing lights and vivid colors, writing that "the end result is as simple as it is appealing". Lyndsey McKenna from NPR Music was less enthusiastic: "It's pretty hard to buy Swift and Sheeran's casual outing in Tokyo or Swift's supposedly uninhibited dance moves."{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/01/12/577618929/taylor-swift-takes-a-shot-with-ed-sheeran-and-rides-shotgun-with-future-in-end-g|title=Taylor Swift Takes A Shot With Ed Sheeran And Rides Shotgun With Future In 'End Game'|publisher=NPR Music|first=Lyndsey|last=McKenna|date=January 12, 2018|access-date=January 30, 2021|archive-date=January 31, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131121046/https://www.npr.org/2018/01/12/577618929/taylor-swift-takes-a-shot-with-ed-sheeran-and-rides-shotgun-with-future-in-end-g|url-status=live}}

Credits and personnel

Credits are adapted from the liner notes of Reputation.{{cite AV media notes|title=Reputation|last=Swift|first=Taylor|author-link=Taylor Swift|year=2017|type=CD booklet|publisher=Big Machine Records}}

{{div col}}

{{div col end}}

Charts

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

=Weekly charts=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+ 2017–2018 weekly chart performance for "End Game"

! scope="col"| Chart (2017–2018)

! scope="col"| Peak
position

{{single chart|Australia|36|artist=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future|song=End Game|rowheader=true|access-date=January 27, 2018|refname="aus"}}
{{single chart|Flanders Tip|8|artist=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future|song=End Game|rowheader=true|access-date=February 17, 2018}}
{{single chart|Wallonia Tip|19|artist=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future|song=End Game|rowheader=true|access-date=February 17, 2018}}
{{single chart|Canada|11|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=January 23, 2018|refname="can"}}
{{single chart|Billboardcanadachrtop40|17|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=January 23, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboardcanadahotac|30|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=February 12, 2018}}
scope="row"| Colombia (National-Report){{cite web|url=http://www.national-report.com/top-colombia/#tab-1|title=Top 100 Colombia|language=es|publisher=National-Report|access-date=July 22, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312065008/http://www.national-report.com/top-colombia/#tab-1|archive-date=March 12, 2018|url-status=live}}

| 84

scope="row"| Costa Rica (Monitor Latino){{cite web|url=http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/Costa%20Rica/General/20180312|publisher=Monitor Latino|access-date=April 9, 2018|title=Top 20 Costa Rica – Del 12 al 18 de Marzo, 2018|language=es|date=March 12, 2018|archive-date=April 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180409233843/http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/Costa%20Rica/General/20180312|url-status=dead}}

| 6

{{single chart|Czechdigital|63|year=2018|week=3|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2018}}
scope="row"| Dominican Republic Anglo (Monitor Latino){{cite web|url=http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/RD/Anglo/20180212|publisher=Monitor Latino|access-date=April 9, 2018|title=Top 20 Anglo Republica Dominicana|language=es|date=February 18, 2018|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143832/http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/RD/Anglo/20180212|url-status=dead}}

| 9

scope="row"| El Salvador (Monitor Latino){{cite web|url=http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/El%20Salvador/General/20180219|publisher=Monitor Latino|access-date=February 9, 2018|title=Top 20 El Salvador – Del 19 al 25 de Febrero, 2018|language=es|date=February 19, 2018|archive-date=June 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617054046/http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/El%20Salvador/General/20180219|url-status=dead}}

| 14

{{single chart|France|130|artist=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future|song=End Game|rowheader=true|access-date=January 28, 2018}}
scope="row"|Greece (IFPI){{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180221023331/https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_el.html|url=https://www.ifpi.gr/digital_el.html|title=Top 50 Singles|publisher=IFPI Greece|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 21, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2018}}

| 35

scope="row"| Ireland (IRMA){{cite web|url=http://irma.ie/index.cfm?page=irish-charts&chart=Singles|title=IRMA – Irish Charts|publisher=Irish Recorded Music Association|access-date=January 20, 2018|archive-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226125524/http://www.irma.ie/index.cfm?page=irish-charts&chart=Singles|url-status=live}}

| 68

scope="row"| Israel International TV Airplay (Media Forest){{cite web |url=http://www.mediaforest.biz/WeeklyCharts/#/international_tab3 |title=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future – End Game Media Forest |publisher=Media Forest |access-date=January 27, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170316183730/http://www.mediaforest.biz/WeeklyCharts/#/international_tab3 |archive-date=March 16, 2017 |url-status=dead }}

| 2

scope="row"| Latvia (DigiTop100){{cite web|url=https://www.tv3.lv/izklaide/digitop100/vecgada-izesanas-ir-aiz-muguras-ka-tas-mainijis-digitop100-gada-pirmas-nedelas-topu/|title=Vecgada izēšanās ir aiz muguras: kā tas mainījis DIGiTop100 gada pirmās nedēļas topu!?|trans-title=New Year's Eve is behind us: how did it change the DIGiTop100 top of the first week of the year!?|language=lv|publisher={{Ill|TV3.lv|lv|tv3.lv|lt=Skaties.lv}}|access-date=April 18, 2025|date=January 11, 2018}}

| 88

scope="row"| Mexico (Billboard Ingles Airplay){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/mexico-ingles/2018-02-03/|title=Mexico Ingles Airplay|magazine=Billboard|url-access=subscription|access-date=December 5, 2021|archive-date=December 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211204163619/https://www.billboard.com/charts/mexico-ingles/2018-02-03/|url-status=live}}

| 25

scope="row"|Netherlands (Dutch Tipparade 40){{cite web|url=https://www.top40.nl/taylor-swift-feat-ed-sheeran-future-1/end-game-1-30045|title=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future - End Game|language=nl|website=Dutch Top 40|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=May 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510025944/https://www.top40.nl/taylor-swift-feat-ed-sheeran-future-1/end-game-1-30045|url-status=live}}

| 10

scope="row"|Netherlands (Single Tip){{cite web|url=https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Taylor+Swift+feat.+Ed+Sheeran+%26+Future&titel=End+Game&cat=s|title=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future - End Game|language=nl|website=Dutch Charts|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=May 10, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510025944/https://dutchcharts.nl/showitem.asp?interpret=Taylor+Swift+feat.+Ed+Sheeran+%26+Future&titel=End+Game&cat=s|url-status=live}}

| 18

scope="row"| New Zealand Heatseekers (RMNZ){{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/singles/2017-12-08|title=NZ Heatseeker Singles Chart|publisher=Recorded Music NZ|date=December 11, 2017|access-date=December 21, 2017|archive-date=September 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918054621/https://nztop40.co.nz/chart/singles?chart=4433|url-status=live}}

| 2

scope="row"| Nicaragua (Monitor Latino){{cite web|url=http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/Nicaragua/General/20180115|title=Nicaragua General|language=es|publisher=Monitor Latino|access-date=May 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509185513/http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top20/Nicaragua/General/20180115|archive-date=May 9, 2018|url-status=dead}}

| 17

scope="row"| Philippines (BillboardPH Hot 100){{cite web |url=http://billboard.ph/billboardph-hot-100-january-8/ |title=BillboardPH Hot 100 - January 8 - Billboard Philippines |website=Billboard Philippines |publisher=Billboard |date=2018-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180111145633/http://billboard.ph/billboardph-hot-100-january-8/ |archive-date=2018-01-11 |access-date=June 15, 2025 |url-status=dead}}

| 84

{{single chart|Poland|52|chartid=2615|year=2018|rowheader=true|access-date=March 5, 2018}}
{{single chart|Portugal|81|artist=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran & Future|song=End Game|rowheader=true|access-date=January 30, 2018}}
scope="row"| Romania (Airplay 100){{cite news|url=https://www.unsitedemuzica.ro/topuri/Top-Airplay-100-Post-Malone-still-rocks-in-fruntea-clasamentului-p4448|title=Top Airplay 100 – Post Malone remains still rocks at the top of the chart|language=ro|author=Arvunescu, Victor|date=February 19, 2018|access-date=February 19, 2018|publisher=Un site de muzică|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180219201926/https://www.unsitedemuzica.ro/topuri/Top-Airplay-100-Post-Malone-still-rocks-in-fruntea-clasamentului-p4448|archive-date=February 19, 2018}}

| 84

{{single chart|Scotland|54|date=20180209|rowheader=true|access-date=February 10, 2018}}
{{single chart|Slovakdigital2|64|year=2018|week=3|rowheader=true|access-date=January 24, 2018}}
{{single chart|UK|49|date=20180119|rowheader=true|access-date=January 20, 2018|refname="UK"}}
{{single chart|Billboardhot100|18|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=January 23, 2018|refname="hot100"}}
{{single chart|Billboardadultpopsongs|13|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=February 13, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboarddanceairplay|18|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=February 12, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboardpopsongs|10|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=January 16, 2018}}
{{single chart|Billboardrhythmic|25|artist=Taylor Swift|rowheader=true|access-date=December 28, 2017|refname="rhythmic"}}
scope="row"| Venezuela (National-Report){{cite web|url=http://www.national-report.com/top-venezuela/|title=Top 100 Venezuela – Semana 18 del 2019 – Del 26/04/2019 al 02/05/2019|publisher=National-Report|access-date=May 7, 2019|language=es|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190507031518/http://www.national-report.com/top-venezuela/|archive-date=May 7, 2019}}

| 95

{{col-2}}

=Year-end charts=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"

|+ 2018 year-end chart performance for "End Game"

! scope="col"| Chart (2018)

! scope="col"| Position

scope="row"| El Salvador (Monitor Latino){{cite web|url=http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top100/anual/2018/El%20Salvador/general|title=Top 100 Anual 2018 El Salvador|language=es|access-date=December 3, 2018|publisher=Monitor Latino|archive-date=May 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502073751/http://charts.monitorlatino.com/top100/anual/2018/El%20Salvador/general|url-status=live}}

| 77

scope="row"| US Adult Top 40 (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/adult-pop-songs|title=Adult Pop Songs – Year-End 2018|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 6, 2019|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412145746/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/adult-pop-songs|url-status=live}}

| 50

scope="row"| US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard){{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/pop-songs|title=Pop Songs – Year-End 2018|magazine=Billboard|access-date=December 5, 2018|archive-date=August 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810150601/https://www.billboard.com/charts/year-end/2018/pop-songs|url-status=live}}

| 46

{{col-end}}

Certifications

{{Certification Table Top|caption=Certifications for "End Game"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Australia|award=Platinum|number=3|type=single|relyear=2018|certyear=2024|access-date=February 14, 2024|refname=aria}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Brazil|type=single|artist=Taylor Swift|title=End Game|award=Platinum|relyear=2020|certyear=2024|access-date=May 1, 2024|refname="pmb"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Canada|artist=Taylor Swift|title=End Game (Feat. Ed Sheeran & Future)|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2017|certyear=2018|access-date=January 30, 2018|refname="mc"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=New Zealand|artist=Taylor Swift feat. Ed Sheeran and Future|title=End Game|type=single|award=Platinum|access-date=December 19, 2024|source=radioscope|relyear=2017|certyear=2021}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=Norway|artist=Taylor Swift|title=End Game|type=single|award=Platinum|number=2|relyear=2018|certyear=2020|access-date=November 20, 2020|refname="ifpino"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United Kingdom|artist=Taylor Swift|title=End Game|type=single|award=Gold|relyear=2018|id=16060-5129-1|certyear=2024|access-date=January 5, 2024|refname="bpi"}}

{{Certification Table Entry|region=United States|artist=Taylor Swift|title=End Game|type=single|award=Platinum|relyear=2018|certyear=2018|access-date=July 23, 2018|refname="riaa"}}

{{Certification Table Bottom|nosales=true|streaming=true|noshipments=true}}

Release history

class="wikitable plainrowheaders"

|+ Release dates and formats for "End Game"

! scope="col"| Region

! scope="col"| Date

! scope="col"| Format(s)

! scope="col"| Label

! scope="col"| {{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}

scope="row"| France

| rowspan="2"| November 14, 2017

| Radio airplay

| Mercury

| style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|url=https://www.mtv.co.uk/news/fnjsod/taylor-swift-sends-both-new-years-day-and-end-game-to-radio|title=Taylor Swift Sends Both 'New Year's Day' and 'End Game' to Radio|publisher=MTV UK|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143420/http://www.mtv.co.uk/taylor-swift/news/taylor-swift-sends-both-new-years-day-and-end-game-to-radio|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aficia.info/actualite-musique/taylor-swift-propose-end-game-aux-radios-francaises-titre-partage-ed-sheeran-future/131857|title=Taylor Swift propose 'End Game' aux radios françaises, un titre partagé avec Ed Sheeran et Future|website=Aficia|language=fr|access-date=July 7, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709111905/http://www.aficia.info/actualite-musique/taylor-swift-propose-end-game-aux-radios-francaises-titre-partage-ed-sheeran-future/131857|url-status=dead}}

scope="row" rowspan="2"| United States

| Contemporary hit radio

| rowspan="2"| {{hlist|Big Machine|Republic}}

| style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|url=https://hitsdailydouble.com/news&id=309353|title=A Recap of Radio Add Recaps|work=Hits|date=November 14, 2017|access-date=November 20, 2023}}

February 22, 2018

| Rhythmic radio

| style="text-align:center;"| {{cite web|url=https://www.allaccess.com/top40-rhythmic/cool-new-music|title=Top 40/R Cool New Music|publisher=All Access Music Group|url-access=registration|access-date=November 20, 2023|archive-date=November 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161130112417/http://www.allaccess.com/top40-mainstream/cool-new-music|url-status=live}} Type Taylor Swift in the Search field.

References

{{Reflist}}