EA launches social app for its sports games
Electronic Arts (EA) is preparing to launch a free-to-download, social-media-powered sports app that combines real and virtual sports content to connect, engage and reward fans everywhere with access to their favorite sports.
The company announced the new app during its investor day, and it works similarly to existing sports apps from companies like ESPN, displaying news, scores, stats and highlights.
The app is tied to the company's various sports games, including the ability to unlock prizes, such as Ultimate Team cards, based on the promotional video.
The app aims to allow fans to come together, share passion and celebrate the sports they love, and opens up a new world of possibilities to reach sports fans outside of the company’s games, as well as new audiences who crave ongoing social and interactive sports experiences.
“With the right products, features and capabilities, a huge portion of valuable consumer attention becomes available at a fraction of the cost,” said David Tinson, EVP and CXO of EA.
EA aims to create a social app that allows fans to follow their favorite sports and teams while adding in-game rewards and community elements.
Tenson showcased a number of features in the app, including a system that appears to seamlessly translate real-life moments into virtual highlights that can be viewed from any angle using the EA Sports FC engine. The company also offers predictive simulations that simulate upcoming matches, and can even ask questions.
Based on Tennyson's presentation, the app appears to make extensive use of AI, featuring prompts that allow users to create simulations.
Generative AI was a big part of EA's overall pitch, and it promoted it in connection with franchises like The Sims and its sports games.
The app is initially focused on soccer, making it an extension of one of EA’s most popular and successful sports simulation games. Support for other sports is expected to be added over time, with NHL, F1, and NCAA Football being highlighted.
The company is set to launch the app this fall, supporting iOS and Android devices. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC is set to enter early access this week, with a full release on September 27.
