FIFA, EA and Playstation Kick Off FIFA Interactive World Cup 2008
Posted by: Aaron Lockard on August 23, 2007 1:33:42 PM (41 Reads)

EA and Sony are this year's presenting partners for the only FIFA-sanctioned global interactive football challenge

FIFA, the world's governing body of football, Electronic Arts Inc (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the new season of the FIFA Interactive World Cup (FIWC), the world's only officially FIFA sanctioned global football gaming competition. Sony joins EA as new presenting partner for the tournament, in which participants from around the world compete with EA SPORTS FIFA 08 on the PlayStation3 (PS3). The FIWC launches with a new format, designed as a season-long experience mirroring the real world of football. The announcement was made today at the Leipzig Games Convention.

The fourth edition of the FIWC kicks off in October 2007 and will culminate in the Grand Final in Berlin's Sony Centre in May 2008. This year, players can compete at one of more than 20 physical FIWC 08 Qualifier Events across the globe or online via the PLAYSTATIONNetwork in over 25 countries. In May 2008, 32 finalists will compete to be crowned FIFA Interactive World Player, rewarded with an invitation to the FIFA World Player Gala along with a USD 20,000 cash prize. Registration opens today at www.FIFA.com/FIWC

"To be associated with the world's leading games publisher, EA, and one of the most respected organizations in the world, FIFA, is very exciting for us," said Simon Rutter, VP Sales & Marketing for SCEE. "With the added realism that PS3 brings to FIFA 08, we have every belief that now is the time to truly make an impact with the FIFA Interactive World Cup. We're looking forward to PS3 fans helping to make the tournament every bit as iconic for gamers as the real FIFA World Cup is for football fans."

Matt Bilbey, Senior Director, Sports Marketing, EA said "The FIFA Interactive World Cup has become a firm fixture in the diaries of many football fans and gamers around the world and we'll be there to bring them a season full of great competition with FIFA 08 on the PlayStation 3. With FIFA 08, EA Sports is delivering the sensations of being on the real FIFA World Cup football pitch, so football gamers in every geography better start practicing!"

"The FIFA Interactive World Cup is a great way to bring together football gamers and the wider football community. With the introduction of the new format, we have taken yet another big step towards establishing the FIFA Interactive World Cup as the world's leading football gaming competition, just like the FIFA World Cup is for football on the field of play", says FIFA Executive-Member Chuck Blazer.

EA SPORTS FIFA 08 for the PLAYSTATION3 offers a football experience that matches the complexity, finesse and beauty of the real-world game. FIFA 08 features a new, organic building-block system that enables players to combine tricks and skill moves together to recreate signature moves from the real-world superstars or define their own style of play.
In addition, FIFA 08 features a true next-generation ball-striking engine that re-creates the drama and unpredictable nature of shooting, the award-winning Interactive Leagues online gameplay and the inclusion of 620 licensed teams, 30 leagues, and more than 15,000 players.

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