FIFA Kicked To Stores
Oh, and what's this about a renewed license?
Published: April 27, 2006
The FIFA license has been one of EA's strongest; it's helped them pump out a soccer game every year for well over a decade, and the release of 2006 FIFA World Cup which was released to capitalize on, yes, the World Cup in Germany, certainly isn't the last.
Not that that would stop fans from finding a way to feed their need for another yearly entry. We'd hate to see what would happen if Matt, our resident Sports Editor didn't get his FIFA fix, but we're all pretty sure it would involve little paper cutouts and lots of games played in his head. Lots more games played in his head. Thus, we are happy to announce that as of the second you read this, EA has ensured the game is on shelves.
And, just for good measure, they decided to shack up with the FIFA folks at least through 2014. It's an exclusive deal, mind you, and it's a doozy: EA has the lock on the FIFA license for all consoles (current- and next-gen), PC, handhelds, online, and cell phones. If you even say the word "FIFA" aloud within earshot of an EA lawyer, kiss your next six paychecks goodbye.
"Renewing our strategic partnership with FIFA will enable us to continue to deliver the most authentic football titles to fans who have helped to make our FIFA games the most successful football videogame franchise in the world," mused EA's Gerhard Florin, EVP and GM for International Publishing.
While you chew on the oft-questioned notion that exclusivity (read: no direct competition) means a better game experience for the consumer, also take in the idea of 100 real-life superstars, 127 national teams, eight-person multiplayer, licensed apparel and 12 official stadiums. Mmmmm... What was that about exclusives and what-what again?
Not that that would stop fans from finding a way to feed their need for another yearly entry. We'd hate to see what would happen if Matt, our resident Sports Editor didn't get his FIFA fix, but we're all pretty sure it would involve little paper cutouts and lots of games played in his head. Lots more games played in his head. Thus, we are happy to announce that as of the second you read this, EA has ensured the game is on shelves.
And, just for good measure, they decided to shack up with the FIFA folks at least through 2014. It's an exclusive deal, mind you, and it's a doozy: EA has the lock on the FIFA license for all consoles (current- and next-gen), PC, handhelds, online, and cell phones. If you even say the word "FIFA" aloud within earshot of an EA lawyer, kiss your next six paychecks goodbye.
"Renewing our strategic partnership with FIFA will enable us to continue to deliver the most authentic football titles to fans who have helped to make our FIFA games the most successful football videogame franchise in the world," mused EA's Gerhard Florin, EVP and GM for International Publishing.
While you chew on the oft-questioned notion that exclusivity (read: no direct competition) means a better game experience for the consumer, also take in the idea of 100 real-life superstars, 127 national teams, eight-person multiplayer, licensed apparel and 12 official stadiums. Mmmmm... What was that about exclusives and what-what again?
