Barcelona Get in the Game with EA Sports

Electronic Arts Inc. has announced a three-year partnership with FC Barcelona with the gaming company becoming the Exclusive and Official Video Game Partner for the La Liga champions.

Through the partnership, EA SPORTS captured 3D head scans of 17 F.C. Barcelona stars such as Xavi Hernandez, Gerard Piqué, Cesc Fàbregas, Dani Alves, and Andrés Iniesta to appear as authentic 3D digital player models in FIFA 14.

In addition, Camp Nou, Barcelona’s home pitch, will be a featured stadium on the game. F.C. Barcelona and its superstar forward and FIFA 14 cover athlete, Lionel Messi, will also become central figures in global marketing, advertising and social media activities for the critically acclaimed FIFA franchise.

“Joining a world class soccer club like Barcelona as an Official Club Partner is a fantastic opportunity for EA SPORTS and our fans,” said Matt Bilbey, Senior Vice President and Group General Manager, EA SPORTS. “We will create a deeper connection with their passionate, global fan base, and use our games as a platform to engage supporters all around the world for years to come.”

Jordi Moix, board member in charge of the Economic and Strategic Area (Patrimony) at F.C. Barcelona said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with EA SPORTS, one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment brands, and to create a stronger relationship between our global fan bases. We encourage everyone to try out the game, get a feel for being under the skin of our players and emulating their actions on the pitch; without a doubt those who try it will enjoy it.”

EA SPORTS list of football partners include Valencia from Spain’s La Liga, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City from Barclays Premier League in England, Borussia Dortmund from the German Bundesliga, Olympique Lyonnais and Paris Saint-Germain F.C. from Ligue 1 in France, and AC Milan in Italy’s Serie A.