14 DAY TRIAL // EA Sports, the simulation-oriented division of video-game publisher Electronic Arts, has announced the names of the international football superstars who will be integrated into the marketing effort for the new FIFA 12 title, set to appear in promotional material and help with real-world promotion of the game.
The list includes:
Wayne Rooney - Manchester United Kaká - Real Madrid Jack Wilshere - Arsenal Philippe Mexès - AC Milan Karim Benzema - Real Madrid Giampaolo Pazzini - Internazionale Gerard Piqué - FC Barcelona Xabi Alonso - Real Madrid Mats Hummels - Borussia Dortmund Tim Cahill - Everton Valentin Stocker - FC Basel Vasili Berezutski - CSKA Moscow Balázs Dzsudzsák - Anzhi Makhachkala
EA Sports says that the promotional activities the athletes will take part in will vary depending on the country and on the way the promotional campaign is designed.
Matt Bilbey, who is the vice president and general manager of football at EA Sports, has stated, “This is an iconic group of footballers who all passionately play our game, and we are excited to have them speak to fans around the world about their own personal experiences playing the best sports game on the planet.”
He added, “With all the accolades FIFA 12 has received so far we are confident we have the most authentic and highest quality game we have ever created, and these superstars will play an integral role in sharing their excitement for its highly anticipated launch.”
The FIFA series is one the biggest revenue streams for Electronic Arts, with installment of the game that launched last year managing to go over the 15 million copies sales mark.
FIFA 12 introduces a number of significant changes to the football simulation formula with the most important of them being the Player Impact Engine, which makes all interactions between the players happen according to strict physical calculations.