EA Announce Online Enhanced FIFA For Korea News

Electronic Arts today announced an agreement with Neowiz Corporation, one of Korea's leading game publishers and developers, to bring an online enhanced version of FIFA to Korea.

Based heavily upon the FIFA series, the game will feature unique elements designed specifically for the online multiplayer environment, including custom team building and player transfer features. Whether or not this is an indication of elements to expect in future FIFA titles over here remains to be seen, however the focus on online surely bodes well for the series potential although we'd be happy with decent lobbies and more then 1 v 1 at this stage.

"Neowiz has a passion for great entertainment and a keen understanding of Korean online game culture. Its top development capabilities, proven success at operating a top online game, and an outstanding online distribution network were important factors for us to consider as we introduce EA Korea's #1 franchise to online players," said Jon Niermann, President, EA Asia Publishing. "Developing an online game that is designed to appeal to Korean gamers' tastes and culture will play an important role as we extend our online business further into Asia."

Sung Kyun Na, President, Neowiz commented that, "With our strong development team led by one of the most acclaimed online game developers in Korea, Mr. Sangwon Chung, and advanced online game publishing experience, and EA's technical abilities and publishing experience, we are confident that together we will make the online game based on EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer a great game that will define a new dimension of online games for worldwide audiences in the near future."

"We want to launch our first online game in readiness for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in June. With football the most popular sport in Korea, and EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer the #1 franchise from EA Korea, EA SPORTS FIFA Soccer is the perfect choice to introduce our sports line to the Korean marketplace," said Savannah Hahn, General Manager, EA Korea.