As you might have found out by now, we at BANDIT are huge fans of EA’s FIFA12. While most people are enjoying a well-earned smoking break every once in a while during the day, we are having highly intense game (mostly with the same outcome) of this simple and still yet complex game. Now, we do not want to be considered geeks, but when I go to bed at night it’s normally after a day of at least 10 games, which means that FIFA12 is actually a frighteningly big part of my everyday life.

We have been playing the FIFA games for many years. Personally it started for me back in 99’ where I got myself a Playstation 1 with the legendary FIFA 99. If you do not remember, FIFA was slightly more simple back then, but the essence of it was basically the same. Now, during 13 games of developing it, EA has now reached something unique and amazing with FIFA 12, and for that we would like to thank them!

Therefore we talked to a friend of ours who also happens to be one of the main guys at EA. Fortunately for us, he had time to answer a few questions about, what we consider, their best game so far.

BANDIT: We feel that there are qualities that make FIFA the game it is. What are the key qualities that make the brand what it is from your point of view?

I think the main quality all stems from the level of authenticity that the FIFA series has already prided itself on.  Being endorsed and supported by the FIFA organisation themselves, this from an early stage has helped shape the FIFA video game series into a realistic football simulation as opposed to more ‘arcade or pinball’ style football.

The reason for this, is that FIFA upholds certain values of football and this is replicated in-game. For example, you will see fair play and players respecting each other during non-interactive cut scenes. Whilst one could argue this is not necessarily always realistic it has helped the FIFA series almost become the worlds ‘official football video game’.

You only need to look at such football games like ‘Red Card 2003′ to notice these are more ‘flash in the pan’ games.  The gameplay in recent years within the FIFA series has become vastly improved and the boundaries between reality and simulation are becoming intertwined, which again counts towards the overall success of this brand.

BANDIT: How do you get your information to develop player statistics, characteristics and personality?

All of the data that drives the game stems from the Data Collection team.  This team recruits a number of editors from all over the globe who are experts on their particular local team. For instance, a season ticket holder for a team in Brazil is more suited to edit a team than a Londoner!  The editor is then supported by a number of reviewers who review their data and provide any feedback. It is a large community where ideas and information is shared amongst passionate football fans.  The hundreds of editors and thousands of reviewers hope to ensure that all the players and teams you see in-game are represented as authentically as possible.

BANDIT: Do you at EA spend time at training watching different players/teams?

We always spend time closely monitoring what happens in the football world.  It is part of the fun of working on FIFA!

BANDIT: We know that high-level mathematics is used in the assessing player skills and personality, when developing team how is that reflected in FIFA 12?

All of the data already mentioned above regarding collating the attributes and data for players is then processed within the gameplay.  I am no programming wizard but I know there are millions of calculations per second that determine how players perform on the virtual pitch.  Personality plays a bigger role in FIFA 12 especially within Career Mode. Players known to be injury prone for example, not only get injured more often but stories emerge and then reflected in the in-game commentary which is fantastic.

BANDIT: How does the new elements for FIFA 12 such as the ‘impact engine’, ‘precision dribbling’ and ‘push and pull’ enhance the playing experience?

Again, the user is more engaged and feels more emersed in the experience.  You have more control over the player selected and the physical improvements adds to the variation when jostling for a ball. Realistic animations ensure that the experience is not just a ‘canned’ or repeated but increases the depth and variation which adds to the fun!

BANDIT: How do you ensure that too many changes to FIFA don’t spoil the gaming experience?

Messing around too much with the gameplay is not beneficial at this stage. Refining is important, but the key innovations is in the online world and keeping users immersed in a world that begins to mirror real life. For example, the integration of EA Sports Football Club this year allows users to ‘support’ and select their own team, competing in challenges and gaining experience points to promote their team.

BANDIT: How much do you listen to the consumers (blogs, forums, reviews, football fans) when deciding upon the updates and changes for a new season?

All the time – we have a vast community who post feedback on our official forums and provide insight from different community websites.  Their feedback is invaluable and we are always looking to improve the authenticity of the game.

BANDIT: The transfer market, and the updates that FIFA release with new players at new clubs, must have an effect – do you see affects in sales, downloads or even people playing with new teams?

It depends – on the whole most gamers tend to play with the big teams mainly because they are the best.  Man City are a good example of this.  Gamers are keen to utilise players with increased skill ratings and overall enjoy playing with a team that have a fantastic squad!

BANDIT: Do you have relationships with manufacturers regarding early information on player boots and teams kits to be able to integrate them into the game accurately?

Yes, and you will be pleased to hear that we have an extensive collection of assets from all big manufacturers in the game.

Thank you for making our days better, EA!

Emil

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Photography by Casper Lundemann

http://casperlundemann.com/