FIFA 08 Supports 10 Player Online News

Taking an early lead in the hotly contested FIFA vs PES grudge match, EA Sports today confirmed a groundbreaking addition to online multiplayer for FIFA 08 on the next-gen consoles.

Allowing up to 10-players to log on and compete on the same pitch, the nauseatingly titled 'Be A Pro: Online Team Play' mode is an evolution of a new feature making its way to FIFA 08, dubbed 'Be A Pro'. Revealed in an earlier TVG First Look, this mode locks your control to one particularly player, challenging you to master the real-world disciplines such as position, movement off the ball and reading the pitch. Using real-timer feedback, analysis on the fly and a unique camera angle, players can opt for this or traditional switching when playing via Xbox Live or PlayStation Network.

Unfortunately, FIFA fans will have to wait before the online mode becomes available, with EA confirming its availability as a free download via Xbox Live Marketplace and PlayStation Store six to eight weeks after FIFA 08 launches.

"At EA SPORTS our dream is to create a full 11 versus 11 online gameplay experience in which each user will have a set position during the match and train specifically for that position," said Joe Booth, producer of FIFA 08. "Be A Pro is the first step in this direction, and now, with the ability to deliver five versus five online gameplay as free downloadable content, we are moving even closer towards the realization of this dream."

"Be A Pro forces you to think and react like a professional player where you experience the whole range of emotions players go through during the course of a game," said Andrew Wilson, Executive Producer of FIFA 08. "Now we are taking this experience online for you to share with your friends. You will have to learn to work together as a team much like any real teams go through in order to be successful."