In a new trailer released today, EA sports has revealed a new feature to the FIFA soccer (or football, if you’re across the pond) franchise: women’s international teams. The upcoming FIFA 16 will still have its regular mixture of men’s international and club teams, but players will also have the option to duke it out on the pitch with their favorite women’s international stars.
According to a press release from EA, there will be twelve different women’s teams represented: Germany, USA, France, Sweden, England, Brazil, Canada, Australia, Spain, China, Italy, and Mexico. They will be available for offline and online matches, and women’s teams will only be available to play against other women’s teams (so no, you won’t be able to wipe out Cristiano Ronaldo with Alex Morgan).
The trailer shows off some gameplay footage and highlights the efforts EA is putting into FIFA 16 so that these athletes get the recognition they deserve. The players were motion-captured by some of the best female soccer players in the world to ensure authentic animations for running, shooting, and tackling. These are not just different skins slapped over the male character models. EA seems like they are striving for a unique feel to the women’s play.
FIFA (the organization, not the video game series) has come under fire lately. Allegations of corruption, bribery, and racketeering has resulted in a joint international raid, leading to arrests of several prominent individuals in the organization. However, it is still business as usual as far as the competitions go. Women’s soccer is more popular than ever, and EA hopes to ride the wave of interest that is sure to follow the Women’s World Cup; it begins on June 6th. The game itself comes out in late September. Although it is a small move forward, it is still a good choice for EA and a step in the right direction. It is also a good opportunity to bring more of a spotlight to these incredible athletes. EA has promised more gameplay information at E3.
Will you be interested in taking the pitch with these women’s international teams? Or will you and your football-loving friends be sticking with your favorite men’s club teams? Let us know in the comments!
