MCV/DEVELOP News, events, research and jobs from the games industry
The widely-lauded FIFA team at EA Canada have revealed their newest objective – to render individual player traits on the pitch.
The goal is to build technology that can simulate noticeable signature moves from the world’s most high profile footballers – a move which could break the shackles of a one-size-fits-all approach to NPC animations.
The new feature, known in marketing terms as ‘Personality+’, aims to effectively simulate Ronaldo’s passion for crossovers while also portraying Rooney’s spirited tussles with defenders. Reina will be quick to dash off his line and Crouch will – if accurate – flail at the goalmouth.
EA Canada is using its tech to distinguish individual footballers from one another through a database that evaluates and grades each player’s skill-set over 36 attributes and 57 traits.
EA Games says the technology will “redefine player authenticity” when first introduced in this year’s FIFA 11 – though it is not likely that all players will be given the full customisation treatment.
“We have reached a level of sophistication within our game engine where footballers in our game will behave and perform as true individuals,” said Executive Producer Kaz Makita.
EA has also revealed it now uses a network of 1700 scouts, editors and reviewers from around the world to provide a comprehensive database of football skills and traits.
FIFA 11 is almost certain to be released before Christmas.
