Tag: FC

EA SPORTS FC FUTURES Doubles Grassroots Impact Year-on-Year, Opening Up Community Football Access to 500,000 People in Two Years

Electronic Arts Inc. has announced that EA SPORTS FC FUTURES has doubled its year-on-year impact, opening up access to grassroots football to over 340,000* people in year two. Building on the 170,000** in year one, it means the programme has increased access to the world’s game to over 500,000 people around the world in just two years since its inception.

Since launching in 2023, the initiative has continued to deliver on its commitment to grow community-level football worldwide and support real-world play, by refurbishing community pitches globally, delivering new free-to-access training practices inspired by EA SPORTS FC in-game drills, and working with partners to provide opportunities for all to play the beautiful game.

With a vision to make the sport more inclusive and accessible for players around the world, FC FUTURES empowers the next generation of football fans and coaches – providing training materials, as well as safe and inspiring spaces to play and thrive through real-world football experiences.

In its second year, FC FUTURES has:

  • Launched 11 new online practices, in partnership with UEFA, taking the FC FUTURES Academy library to a total of 17 free-to-access drills, designed to support coaches and players in daily training sessions. By using in-game drills to power these coaching tools, the Academy provides a unique and innovative way for coaches and young people to learn core football skills, encouraging participation and driving fandom in the next generation. Through our UEFA partnership, the Academy has now been integrated into 54 National Football Associations, with 500+ coaches trained on using the practices in the past 12 months.
  • Refurbished a further 8 community pitches worldwide – from the flood-impacted city of Valencia, Spain to Bañado Sur, Paraguay – in collaboration with league, confederation and charity partners, alongside FC FUTURES ambassadors – bringing the total to 19 pitches across 14 countries since launch. These pitches have been used by thousands of young people worldwide and have provided safe and accessible spaces to further their love of the game.
  • Deepened its global impact through multiple partnerships with organisations focused on driving positive youth development through sport. Year two saw continued collaboration with UNICEF, Merky FC, and Football Beyond Borders, as well as partnerships with some of the biggest names in football and entertainment to host numerous community training sessions and events, designed to inspire the next generation. From teaming up with LALIGA to open a new pitch in J Balvin’s hometown of Medellín to working with German football legend Lukas Podolski on a community refurbishment in Cologne, FC FUTURES is proving how far-reaching the power of play can be.

 “In just two years, FC FUTURES has demonstrated the powerful impact football can have beyond our EA SPORTS FC game, making a positive difference to hundreds of thousands of people,” said Andrea Hopelain, GM & SVP, Publishing, EA SPORTS. “We’re creating lifelong sports fans not only through our game, but by actively supporting and growing grassroots football around the world. By bringing together our digital game with real-world coaching expertise, we’re democratizing access to football training and reimagining coach education in a truly unique way, which is both impactful and incredibly relatable for the next generation.”

As FC FUTURES looks ahead to its third year – and an exciting year for football globally – the initiative will continue to engage and inspire future generations of footballers by launching new community pitches, expanding its free training library, collaborating with new partners, strengthening existing partnerships, and building on its ambition to grow football for all.

Beyond this, FC FUTURES will unlock new ways the game can further revolutionise coach education, through the creation of additional learning experiences, harnessing the power of interactive play and the merging of physical and digital football to inspire more young people into the sport.

Find out more on FC FUTURES and access the FC FUTURES Academy, the free digital library of training practices, here.

EA SPORTS Brings UEFA EURO 2024 to the Virtual Pitch in EA SPORTS FC 24 and EA SPORTS FC Mobile

Today, Electronic Arts, Inc. announced the Festival of Football update to EA SPORTS FC 24 and EA SPORTS FC Mobile ahead of the upcoming UEFA EURO 2024 tournament. In this free in-game update* fans can experience the authentic UEFA EURO 2024 tournament and all 24 qualified federations (and more) on PlayStation5, PlayStation4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and EA SPORTS FC Mobile. Players can lead their nations to European glory as the best players from across The World’s Game go head-to-head to become Champions of Europe.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to be introducing UEFA EURO 2024 to EA SPORTS FC experiences for the very first time, a tournament that creates such excitement, outstanding competition, and moments to remember each year,” said Nick Wlodyka, SVP and Group GM, EA SPORTS FC. “With this in-game update, fans can make history alongside some of the best players in Europe, living every twist and thrill of the iconic competition’s experience through all 24 federations and a variety of authentic kits, real-life stadiums, game modes and more.”

EA SPORTS FC™ 24 puts players on the pitch in Germany with an immersive UEFA EURO 2024 experience that mirrors the authentic details of the tournament, from national team kit updates to real-life stadiums, as well as updated star heads to bring the faces of Europe’s best to the international stage.

“We are delighted to announce the inclusion of UEFA EURO 2024 within EA SPORTS FC and to see it in action as part of the upcoming eEURO finals” said Guy-Laurent Epstein, UEFA Marketing Director. “The global reach of EA SPORTS FC will allow millions of fans to connect with and experience the tournament like never before and  lead their favourite nation virtually, from group stage through to knockouts.”

Players can lead their country, play as a star of their chosen national team, or as their very own custom player. The in-game tournament offers players a variety of modes as they play their way to glory: in single player tournament mode, in kick-off, or head-to-head against friends online.

  • In Lead Your Nation mode, fans can put themselves in the heart of UEFA EURO 2024 by leading their nation to victory, taking the tournament by storm as a real footballer or with a custom player. As they play through the stages, fans can choose to navigate the tournament as a player, while enjoying the opportunity to complete training drills to earn PlayStyles, improving their game on the way to the trophy.
  • Players can also experience UEFA EURO 2024 in a single-player Tournament Mode that allows them to write (or rewrite) the future of their nation. Choosing between one of the 24 qualified countries, or another European nation, fans can play their way out of true-to-life groups and through the knockouts.
  • In Kick-Off Mode, fans can challenge one another or play against the CPU AI in an authentic tournament experience, selecting from a Group Stage or Knockout Round match, including updated “Match of the Day” fixtures that mirror the authentic tournament matchups.
  • Friends can also go head-to-head and experience the excitement of the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament with authentic matchups in Online Friendlies Mode.

An all-new set of ‘Challenges’ will allow fans to experience UEFA EURO 2024™ while earning rewards that can be unlocked/used in Football Ultimate Team, Clubs, Player and Manager Career.

Additionally, players can enjoy UEFA EURO 2024™ content in Football Ultimate Team, with a number of campaigns themed around the live action in Germany. These campaigns celebrate the players poised to lead their nations on the Path to Glory, breakthrough stars that emerge during the Group Stages, Greats of the Game who shone in past tournaments, and the best players across the whole month as the festival of football brings excitement and upgraded Player Items to Football Ultimate Team.

The UEFA EURO 2024 will also be coming to EA SPORTS FC Mobile from June 12 to July 25, featuring an In-Game Event where users can experience the full campaign with all 24 qualified countries, and jump into Key Match, a brand-new way to play select real-world UEFA EURO 2024 matchups. EA SPORTS FC Mobile will also feature Tournament Mode to play PvE matches, underlined by true-to-life authenticity to the game with two stadiums, national team flags and banners, broadcast transitions, and the UEFA EURO 2024  song.

Watch the official gameplay trailer for UEFA EURO 2024 in EA SPORTS FC here.

Read the full details of the UEFA EURO 2024 in-game mode now available in EA SPORTS FC 24 as part of the latest Festival of Football Update here.

EA SPORTS FC BUILDS ON VISION FOR THE WORLD’S GAME WITH IMMERSIVE NEW GAMEPLAY IN EA SPORTS FC MOBILE

Electronics Arts Inc. announced EA SPORTS FC™ MOBILE, set to launch globally on September 26, featuring intuitive gameplay controls that will introduce a new level of immersion to The World’s Game on mobile devices. For existing players, EA SPORTS FC MOBILE will be released as a free* update without a need to redownload to devices.

As revealed earlier this week over Instagram, Real Madrid winger Vini Jr. will make his debut as the first-ever cover star for EA SPORTS FC MOBILE. Fans of Vini Jr. will experience his authentic running style, brought to life in-game through True Player Personality, accentuated by revised Impact Controls that will let players take command of the pitch to show off their own playmaking skills.

“I’m excited to be featured as the cover star for EA SPORTS FC MOBILE and look forward to sharing this excitement with fans worldwide,” said Vini Jr. “Football is more than just a sport, and to play a part in inviting more people into this celebration is a dream.”

EA SPORTS FC MOBILE will immerse players in next-level gameplay, with key features including:

  • True Player Personality: The world’s most recognizable players come to life with True Player Personality. Authentic running styles, penalty kick stances and celebrations for certain players, all bring EA SPORTS FC MOBILE to a new level of authenticity.
  • Dynamic Game Speed: Mobile-first and tactile game speed, allowing for more player personality and attribute impact on the pitch.
  • Elite Shooting System: Revamped shooting system allows impact players to show up on the scoresheet and make their mark. Feel rewarded when you make smart shooting decisions both inside and outside the box, on a cross, or off the volley. Take control of your favorite attackers and rally your team to victory.
  • Impact Controls:
    • Power Shot: Unleash a high-powered shot that leaves keepers clawing at air. Load up your shot when you’re in space to harness the full potential of Power Shot. Balance the risk and reward of the Power Shot to devastate your opponent and take the lead.
    • Knock On Dribble: Bring your pacey dribblers to top speed faster by knocking the ball ahead into space. Take advantage of your opponent’s high defensive back-line by having your rapid attackers push ahead in a fluid manner. Dribbling with true speedsters takes on a whole new feeling.
    • Hard Tackle: Make your presence felt and assert dominance in defense and midfield by launching a crunching stand tackle. Separate your opponent’s attackers from the ball or make a last-ditch block with new Hard Tackles.

“We’re incredibly excited to invite players across mobile, online, and console to join us as we begin this new journey for The World’s Game with EA SPORTS FC,” said Nick Wlodyka, SVP & GM, EA SPORTS FC. “Our focus is on meeting our expansive player community where they are and how they play across our EA SPORTS FC ecosystem, and we’re putting this perspective into action with more experiences to be announced soon.”

To usher in a new era on EA SPORTS FC MOBILE, existing mobile players are invited to become an FC MOBILE Founder before the game launches through the current app, without the need to re-download. Players who participate in the Founders event from August 24 – September 26, 2023, will obtain FC MOBILE Founder status to unlock benefits including special in-game player items for EA SPORTS FC MOBILE at launch. More details to be revealed here.

Further news surrounding EA SPORTS FC was shared through the milestone announcement of EA SPORTS FC™ ONLINE reaching 53M+ players across Korea, China, Thailand, and Vietnam. As the pinnacle free-to-play football gaming experience in Asia, EA SPORTS FC ONLINE will also be recognized as an official medaled discipline at the XIX Asian Games, set to be held in Hangzhou later this year.

EA SPORTS FC MOBILE and EA SPORTS FC ONLINE will join EA SPORTS FC™ 24 in marking a new beginning for the future of football to connect hundreds of millions of fans through console, mobile, online and esports products.

EA SPORTS FC Announces Ballon d’Or Partnership

EA SPORTS FC announces that it’s bringing the Ballon d’Or™ to EA SPORTS FC™ 24. Players will be able to receive the famous trophy in EA SPORTS FC 24 Player Career.

Every player dreams of winning the Ballon d’Or™. Since 1956, every year France Football has awarded the Ballon d’Or™ to the best male and female football player of the season.

Universally regarded as football’s most prestigious and valuable individual award, the iconic trophy was on display in Amsterdam during EA SPORTS FC Livestream Event on July 13 with former recipients Luis Figo and Ronaldinho in attendance.

New features in both Player and Manager Career in EA SPORTS FC™ 24 will help players control their footballing destiny even further. Achieving an incredible individual season in Player Career will activate the newly designed Ballon d’Or™ animation*.

David Jackson, VP of Brand, EA SPORTS FC, said: “We’re delighted to bring the prestigious Ballon d’Or™ into EA SPORTS FC™. Including these iconic trophies in-game furthers our efforts to provide players with the most authentic and inspiring football experiences possible.”

Kevin Benharrats, CEO of Amaury Media, comments: “It has been a pleasure to collaborate with EA marketing teams. We are proud of this new partnership for the Ballon d’Or™, we hope it will contribute to EA SPORTS FC™ success.”

EA SPORTS FC™ 24 will be available to play on September 29, 2023 with early access through the Ultimate Edition available as of September 22, 2023. Pre-orders** are now available for EA SPORTS FC™ 24 which will launch on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Fans that pre-order the Ultimate Edition by August 22nd will receive a number of player benefits, including an untradeable UEFA Champions League Ultimate Team™ Hero item in November.

EA Play members will receive early access to the game with a 10-hour trial beginning on September 22. EA Play Pro members will enjoy unlimited access to the EA Play Pro Edition of the game – including Ultimate edition content – starting September 22. Lastly, all EA Play members will unlock additional bonuses for EA SPORTS FC™ 24, with monthly Draft Tokens in Ultimate Team™, seasonal Clubs Rewards, and seasonal VOLTA FOOTBALL™ APPAREL & COINS.

As well as officially announcing that the Ballon D’or will be coming to FC 24 today, EA also go live with the Career Mode Deep Dive.

EA SPORTS FC FUTURES – A Plan To Invest $10M Globally To Grow Community Football

Today, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) announced FC FUTURES; a plan to meaningfully invest in community-level football on a global scale with the purpose of growing the game for all.

The plan will see investments over the next three years across multiple grassroots football projects. This announcement follows EA SPORTS’s new brand identity, logo and vision reveal for the interactive future of football: EA SPORTS FC.

“EA SPORTS FC is a symbol for a positive future of football, and that future will be built on providing young people with the access and tools necessary to follow their dreams,” said David Jackson, VP of Brand Marketing at EA SPORTS. “We are looking forward to partnering with football organisations and icons across the globe to inspire the next generation of young football fans and grow their love of the game.”

Today was the first of many FC FUTURES activations as EA SPORTS and the Football Foundation, the charity of The Premier League, The FA and UK Government unveiled the ‘Rocky and Wrighty Arena’ at Turnham Academy in South London. Opened by England legend Ian Wright, the pitch will provide additional football access for youth in the area and help inspire the next generation of players.

FC FUTURES will build a publicly-available library of training practices, produced in five languages, that will be available later this year for young players and community coaches to view online and use for their training plans.

Additionally, FC FUTURES will provide community access to football by supporting the creation and refurbishment of pitches, facilitated and distributed through foundations, federations and leagues.

Lastly, FC FUTURES will invest in grassroots training accessories which will deliver football equipment in the form of balls, bibs, cones and wider essential equipment.

EA SPORTS has agreed to a multi-year partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) to further support community level football through consultancy from UEFA Grassroots Football Coaches and investment in UEFA Grassroots football initiatives.

“We are excited to partner with EA SPORTS and their EA SPORTS FC FUTURES programme”, said Frank K. Ludolph, Head of Technical Development at UEFA. “Through our team of UEFA technical education experts, we will work hand-in-hand with our long-term partner, EA SPORTS, to enhance our support for the grassroots game. This partnership is an exciting opportunity for UEFA’s Grassroots Programme to provide an innovative access to modern and customised training materials for the benefit of the next generation of grassroots players and fans.”

Ian Wright alongside world-renowned Chelsea Women’s Manager, Emma Hayes are the first FC FUTURES ambassadors who will work with EA SPORTS to provide further support for grassroots football.

“I’m delighted to be an ambassador for EA SPORTS FC FUTURES ” said Ian Wright. “This is where football starts, right here in our communities and investing in the game is a crucial step toward advancing global football. That starts with providing kids access to much-needed facilities in order for them to be able to play as much as possible in safe, local spaces. I’m grateful my old school can play a part in the future of football, and it’s an honour to be involved.”

“Growing up in London, I was always looking for a way to get onto the pitch,” said Emma Hayes. “I’m ecstatic that women and underrepresented talent are getting the resources many of us didn’t. FC FUTURES is a fantastic way to provide opportunities for the next generation of fans to explore and further their passion for football, and it makes me proud to be an FC FUTURES ambassador. I believe that investments like this have the power to change lives.”

EA SPORTS has defined interactive football for 30 years and built a global football community of more than 150 million across multiple platforms – a community that EA SPORTS FC will now continue to grow alongside partners who share a common goal of a fan-first future of football. Built on a foundation of inclusivity and innovation, fans will experience unrivalled authenticity with access to more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams and 30 leagues, with the support of over 300 global football partners that will allow further expansion into new areas around both women’s and grassroots football.

Fans can sign up at easports.com/fc to Join the Club and be one of the first to learn more, ahead of detailed product updates coming this July.