EA Extends FIFA License To Include 2006 World Cup

Major publisher and developer Electronic Arts has announced that it will launch 2006 FIFA World Cup, the event's only officially licensed videogame themed around this summer's soccer World Cup in Germany. According to the company, the videogame will ship on all platforms including Xbox 360 in April 2006, in anticipation of the real-world tournament which begins in June. The EA Sports title will feature the world's major soccer players, 12 official stadiums that will be used at 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany and stadiums from each qualifying region. Gamers will be able to play as their favorite team from qualification right through to a virtual reproduction of the tournament in Germany. "The FIFA World Cup will be the single most watched sporting event by a worldwide television audience, bringing together football fans from around the world," said Joe Nickolls, lead producer of the game. "Our game, 2006 FIFA World Cup celebrates this passion by capturing all of the national rivalries in-game, enabling fans to play their heroes and be a part of 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany." In addition, the officially licensed game of 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany will be available for download via mobile phones, thanks to EA's expanded mobile presence. The core title has been developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, B.C., and is scheduled to ship on the PlayStation 2, Xbox, Gamecube, DS, Game Boy Advance, PSP, PC, and mobile platforms.