FC Barcelona and EA today announced they have agreed to a three-year partnership deal. Under the deal, EA Sports will be the “official video game partner” of FC Barcelona. The club will be getting exclusive features in the upcoming FIFA 14.
EA revealed that it has taken 3D head scans of 17 FC Barcelona players, including Xavi Hernandez, Gerard Piqué, Cesc Fàbregas, Dani Alves, and Andrés Iniesta. The athletes will have these scans incorporated into their digital versions in FIFA 14. In addition, Barcelona’s home pitch, Camp Nou, will be a “featured stadium” in the video game.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has already been announced as the global cover athlete for FIFA 14. His role in FIFA 14 marketing will now expand to other advertising and social media “activities.”
“Joining a world class football club like Barcelona as an official club partner is a fantastic opportunity for EA Sports and our fans,” said Matt Bilbey, SVP at 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.”
EA and Barcelona also announced that a “range of interactive activities” for fans will result from the new deal. This includes a mobile gaming trailer for Barcelona fans at some home games. A FIFA 14 tournament between Barcelona squad members has also been announced for later this year.