[ad_1]
EA has done it once more: another impressive year as a dominant player in the gaming industry. There were some questions about how the year would shake out, especially after the company decided to part ways with FIFA and rebrand one of its biggest franchises, yet it’s clear the company is set to continue to lead the way on the world gaming stage.
EA Sports FC 24 is out, the year is almost over and gaming is as popular as ever. Now is an opportunity to take stock. How has EA shaped the gaming landscape? What innovative technologies are being used in creating new and immersive gaming experiences? How does the gaming industry intersect with and influence parallel industries such as sports and gambling? These questions are worth looking into.
Finally, an Emphasis on Accessibility
Accessibility in video gaming is deeply important. Upholding accessible gaming standards ensures that all players, no matter their physical or cognitive abilities can fully participate and enjoy the experience of gaming. While accessibility has been woefully underemphasized in past years, 2023 saw EA step up by introducing five open-source tools – four of which are powered by AI – as part of their Positive Play Patent Pledge.
The impressive list of tools includes automated player control takeover, which switches player characters to system-driven ones if a player disengages; an adaptive gaming tutorial system to provide personalized guidance to players; a personalized in-game coach; and a route navigation system for aiding players with cognitive and visual disabilities, notably used in ‘Mirror’s Edge Catalyst’.
EA furthermore introduced the Electronic Arts Accessibility Portal, offering game-specific accessibility information and encouraging feedback for ongoing improvement. Through all these efforts, EA is not only ensuring their own games are accessible, but also making a statement to the entire industry: accessibility in gaming is and should be a priority.
EA and the Rise of E-Sports
The launch of EA Sports FC Pro has revolutionized soccer eSports by introducing one-on-one gameplay through a global competition circuit. The 2023 FC Pro Open includes regular fixtures, with match weeks scheduled through mid-December and a winner crowned on February 3. This tournament has created a lot of buzz around gamers, soccer fans, spectators and – perhaps surprisingly – bettors.
Where there is a competitive sport, whether real or virtual, there is an opportunity for making a wager on the outcome. Betting enthusiasts, once limited to placing a bet only on live sports events can now make wagers on virtual games, including these types of EA Soccer Tournaments or other similar events. The video game and gambling industries are always finding new ways to crossover.
The EA Sports FC Pro Leagues competition slated for early 2024, pushes this concept even further by collaborating with real soccer leagues like La Liga and Bundesliga. It’s a partnership that enhances the thrill of gaming by connecting fans and players with real clubs, while also creating even greater opportunities for sports betting.
While there are fundamental differences between video gaming and iGaming (internet gambling, including online casino games and sports betting), advancements in one industry generally lead to advancements in the other. This includes attitudes around gaming in general, whether wagering is involved or not, as well as innovations in technology used to power and engage players.
Mobile Gaming Expansion
The release of EA Sports FC Tactical, a turn-based mobile strategy game offering strategic gameplay with a rich roster of authentic players, is a prime example of how EA operates at the forefront of gaming technology. Who here hasn’t played a riveting game on their phone? Even Netflix has jumped on this bandwagon.
As modern smartphones become more capable of delivering high-quality gaming graphics – with features such as high-resolution OLED or AMOLED screens – there are fewer excuses for big-name game developers to stubbornly stay fixed in the lane of PC and console gaming. It’s great to see industry titans such as EA adapt to this reality.
This begs the question: will mobile gaming eventually overtake PC and console gaming? Today there is a huge, rather impressive list of mobile phone capabilities, including GPUs that can produce complex 3D environments, multitouch, gyroscope, 5G and, best not forget, augmented reality technology.
All that said, the verdict is: likely not – mobile gaming will not overtake PC and console gaming. Phones just don’t quite have the power to showcase some of the latest graphics and 4K resolution found in AAA games. The expectation is that mobile devices will continue to grow in performance and support more advanced games; however, mobile gaming niches are likely to remain predominantly separate and appealing to different segments of gamers.
Partnerships and Realism: EA Edition
Earlier this year, EA Sports entered into new partnerships with the NWSL and NWSLPA – a significant move in representing women’s soccer proudly and authentically. It’s a collaboration that marks a true milestone in the gaming industry, as it demonstrates an unwavering dedication to proudly and genuinely represent women’s soccer.
It’s now time to talk about EA Sports FC 24, which is EA’s latest installment in what was once their FIFA series. For this iteration, EA partnered with Stats Perform to optimize player ratings and play styles – an impressively strategic move, as the collaboration has brought an unprecedented level of realism to the game, impressive even for 2023.
The game showcases meticulous attention to detail in terms of each player’s appearance, including facial expressions and attire which accurately replicate their real-life counterparts so closely that it’s truthfully, occasionally, a little bit eerie. The representations are so close it can be difficult to remember that the players are virtual.
The developers have put in a tremendous amount of effort to make sure every tiny aspect is flawless. This involves genuine audio effects, impressively realistic ball physics, a player speed and game flow that closely resembles real-life matches, and advanced player movement mechanics that replicate smoother and more authentic interactions on the field.
Not only does this benefit casual players, but it creates a highly appealing environment for sports bettors who value detailed and accurate portrayals of players and teams. Imagine placing a bet on a virtual soccer game that features clunky mechanics and grainy graphics. Now imagine making a wager on EA Sports FC 24. One is definitely more exciting than the other.
EA’s commitment to pushing the limitations of gaming is evident. As they lead the industry forward, they create advancements that not only improve player experiences, but also create new opportunities in the fields of betting, mobile gaming and the overall, diverse world of competitive sports. With a focus on inclusivity, partnerships and realistic gameplay, it’s safe to say that 2023 marked another successful year for the company, with or without FIFA.
[ad_2]
Source link
