FIFA's Multi-National Cover Approach
Published: August 11, 2006
If there's a sure-fire way to incite some easy love for something, it's to play toward a country's sense of nationalism -- particularly when it comes to the world's most popular sport: soccer. Clearly this was EA Sports' approach when deciding on who would become the cover man -- or rather men -- for FIFA 07, as they've decided to tap some of the biggest names in footy for regional versions of the game.
Here's the breakdown. Germany gets Lukas Podolski of Bayern Munich, France gets Juninho Pernambucano of Olympique Lyonnais, Spain's cover has David Villa of Valencia on it, and for North America, we get three folks on our cover; Francisco “Kikin” Fonseca of SL Benfica, L.A. Galaxy striker Landon Donovan, and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Barcelona's Ronaldinho. Not a bad little collection eh?
EA certainly seems fond of it, as well as the news that they've renewed their (surprise, surprise) exclusive contracts with the F.A. Premier League until 2011 and extended their agreement with the Mexican 1st Division. The licenses give EA the rights to use stadiums, players and even official balls in the game, which should make gamers happy. In fact, everyone involved seems pretty happy about the deal.
“EA Sports works with the best players in the world to develop the most authentic soccer games and we are particularly proud of this year’s line-up in FIFA 07,” gloated Clive Downie, VP of Marketing with EA Europe. “Every player who will grace the cover of FIFA 07 is renowned as one of the best at his position in the world, and we are offering a line-up which would be a match for any team past or present.”
"The Premier League is widely regarded as the most exciting in the world and we’re delighted to have been able to extend our current deal," beamed Dan Holman, EA Sports' Marketing Manager. "The FIFA franchise has always delivered the most authentic game experience and our continuing relationship will enable us to maintain the high standards fans have come to expect from EA Sports."
“The Mexican ‘First Division’ league is proud to extend our partnership with the world’s leading interactive gaming company,” added Rodrigo López Jurado / Federación Mexicana de Fútbol. “In our country, the FIFA franchise from EA is the most authentic and realistic interactive soccer game and it accurately depicts professional soccer in Mexico. We’re looking forward to the exciting innovations in this year’s FIFA 07.”
The half a year or so of time between the last FIFA game and this one has been marked by a handful of upgrades to the team AI, more signature moves, a tighter shooting system that allow more finessed shots with things like backspin or topspin -- y'know, the kind of stuff you hope for in a yearly soccer game. We'll have plenty more info as we get closer to the game's October 3rd release.
Here's the breakdown. Germany gets Lukas Podolski of Bayern Munich, France gets Juninho Pernambucano of Olympique Lyonnais, Spain's cover has David Villa of Valencia on it, and for North America, we get three folks on our cover; Francisco “Kikin” Fonseca of SL Benfica, L.A. Galaxy striker Landon Donovan, and two-time FIFA World Player of the Year, Barcelona's Ronaldinho. Not a bad little collection eh?
EA certainly seems fond of it, as well as the news that they've renewed their (surprise, surprise) exclusive contracts with the F.A. Premier League until 2011 and extended their agreement with the Mexican 1st Division. The licenses give EA the rights to use stadiums, players and even official balls in the game, which should make gamers happy. In fact, everyone involved seems pretty happy about the deal.
“EA Sports works with the best players in the world to develop the most authentic soccer games and we are particularly proud of this year’s line-up in FIFA 07,” gloated Clive Downie, VP of Marketing with EA Europe. “Every player who will grace the cover of FIFA 07 is renowned as one of the best at his position in the world, and we are offering a line-up which would be a match for any team past or present.”
"The Premier League is widely regarded as the most exciting in the world and we’re delighted to have been able to extend our current deal," beamed Dan Holman, EA Sports' Marketing Manager. "The FIFA franchise has always delivered the most authentic game experience and our continuing relationship will enable us to maintain the high standards fans have come to expect from EA Sports."
“The Mexican ‘First Division’ league is proud to extend our partnership with the world’s leading interactive gaming company,” added Rodrigo López Jurado / Federación Mexicana de Fútbol. “In our country, the FIFA franchise from EA is the most authentic and realistic interactive soccer game and it accurately depicts professional soccer in Mexico. We’re looking forward to the exciting innovations in this year’s FIFA 07.”
The half a year or so of time between the last FIFA game and this one has been marked by a handful of upgrades to the team AI, more signature moves, a tighter shooting system that allow more finessed shots with things like backspin or topspin -- y'know, the kind of stuff you hope for in a yearly soccer game. We'll have plenty more info as we get closer to the game's October 3rd release.