EA secures licence to produce 2006 FIFA World Cup tie-in

Electronic Arts has secured the rights to produce a tie-in for this year's FIFA World Cup event in Germany, with games for current and next-generation platforms slated for a release this April.

2006 FIFA World Cup will feature nearly 100 of the world's favourite footballers, all specially animated to capture their playing styles. Players will be able to choose from 127 national teams, and play in matches in the 12 official stadiums where the tournament is being held as well as stadiums from each qualifying region.

Modes will include Global Challenge, which recreates classic moments from World Cups past, plus a multiplayer mode for up to eight players. The game will also feature unlockable content, such as legendary players and exclusive sportswear.

âThe FIFA World Cup will be the single most watched sporting event by a worldwide television audience, bringing together football fans from around the world,â said producer Joe Nickolls.

âOur game, 2006 FIFA World Cup, celebrates this passion by capturing all of the national rivalries in-game, enabling fans to play their heroes and be a part of 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.â

2006 FIFA World Cup is in development at EA Canada, and will be released on PC, PS2, PSP, Xbox, Xbox 360, GameCube, Nintendo DS, GBA and mobile phones in April.