December 2, 2012

FIFA 12 simulated the MLS Cup a year ago and it was pretty much the real thing

Written by Jahmal Corner

So, like, what was the point of even playing the match? EA Sports told us how this thing would play out over a year ago with the above MLS Cup simulation. This is seriously eerie. Not only did they accurately predict the Galaxy winning the title by a score of 3-1 but they even nailed two of the goal-scorers in Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane.

I mean, aside from the video game version featuring about 300,000 simulated fans this thing couldn’t have been more accurate. I wonder if EA Sports does family events. I’d kill to watch a two-minute simulation of Christmas at my house rather than sit through a family marathon of spoiled eggnog, children drunk with cheer and senile stories from my elders.

Anyway, the real highlights with real people are after the jump.

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November 30, 2012

Football Manager simulates MLS Cup, says LA Galaxy has edge to win over Dynamo

Written by The 91st

Just so you know, I’m all in on Football Manager these days. Not only can the program help you land your dream job, but it can also predict the future – kind of.

Football Manager’s most recent project was to simulate the upcoming MLS Cup between the LA Galaxy and Houston Dynamo. By quantifying all the player and tactical variables (nerd jargon, stay cool and keep reading) the program ran results of 10 matchups. And if this thing knows what it’s talking about, and it usually does, it looks as though we’re in for a close contest. Here are the results:

  • Galaxy 5 wins, Dynamo 5 wins
  • Galaxy 16 goals, Dynamo 12 goals

Digging a little deeper we found that the matches went into overtime 50 percent of the time and went to PKs 40 percent of the time.

The only thing Football Manager could not simulate was David Beckham showing up to his final MLS match LIKE THIS then delivering a rousing speech and handing each of his teammates their own pair of H&M underwear. We’re afraid technology just isn’t yet equipped to measure Beckhamness.

 

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September 25, 2012

FIFA 13: NCAA Edition

Written by Jahmal Corner

Wouldn’t this be amazing? Come on EA Sports! We know college soccer isn’t quite college football, but we could make something happen.

If an NCAA soccer game came out it’d be a game-changer, and my head is exploding thinking about the possibilities.

First of all, though, let’s give a shout out to North Carolina’s Mikey Lopez, Connecticut’s Carlos Alvarez and Akron’s Will Trapp for making our simulated game cover (and just so you know, a cover jinx can only occur when it’s a REAL cover. I looked it up).

 

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August 31, 2012

FIFA 13 commercial wants you to join the club

Written by Jahmal Corner

The game is out next month, but the hype is well under way.

I get this commercial, but then I kinda don’t. Not that it matters. Messi could be playing the game in a Shawshank Redemption jail cell and this would still work. EA Sports doesn’t have to convince us to join the club – we’re already in.

 

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July 9, 2012

Countdown to FIFA 13 on September 25

Written by Jahmal Corner

Only 2 ½ more months to go. I watch this trailer once a week just to remind myself of what’s ahead so I can get excited all over again.

I’m particularly stoked about the free kick decoy, which is one of those details that can make a game special.

Anyway, be excited. I am.

 

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December 1, 2011

FIFA 12 Holiday Ad

Written by Administrator

There is nothing worse then getting a lame holiday present like underwear, a sweater, or socks. You look at the person who gave them to you and say thank you, but really you’re thinking, what in the world makes you think I’d want these?

EA Sports released an ad that might be able to help you avoid any sweater, or underwear mishaps this holiday season. Soccer stars Wayne Rooney, Gerard Pique, Kaka, Jack Wilshere, and Tim Cahill encourage people to buy FIFA 12 for the holidays; by declaring all they want “is the ball”. The ad is clever, and it put a smile on my face to see these guys act. Especially when Wayne Rooney holds up a puppy with sheer horror on his face, and asks, “What am I going to do with a puppy?” Hysterical.

Upon further review, isn’t that Rooney’s old hair do? Remember, Wayne Rooney decided to have a hair transplant last summer. When did EA film this? They really do a good job of scheduling these guys for shoots; this must have been filmed right after last season.

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November 4, 2011

FIFA 12 using Tweets to knit world’s longest scarf

Written by Administrator

Fifa are now knitting the world’s longest scarf with the aim of breaking the Guinness World Record. They are asking their fans to be a part of this by posting a message of support either on Facebook, or Twitter for the chance to have it appear on the scarf.

However, the odd part of this campaign is that you can only send your message at specific times or during ’rounds’. This means that only the fastest can get their message on the scarf, which is strange considering that FIFA want to create the longest scarf ever knitted. It might make sense to keep the messaging open all the time, but due to their popularity I doubt they’re going to have a lack of submissions.

FIFA 12 continues to impress me with their use of Social Media. Whether it’s integrating the games new online game play into social media, or knitting the world’s longest scarf, EA Sports has done a fantastic job. Now it’s time to think of a few awesome support messages to send over in the hope they will pick mine! Any good ideas? Send them over to us via Facebook, or Twitter.

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October 3, 2011

FIFA 12 Launch kit giveaway from Landon Donovan

Written by Administrator

Landon Donovan is giving away a FIFA 12 VIP Launch kit, which includes a copy of FIFA 12 for the PS3, Beats by Dre headphones, a FIFA 12 skinned iPad, a PSP, and a Gold EA Sports Soccer ball. Here are the contest details as given by Landon Donovan on his Twitter account:

  • Launch kit given to whoever scores the best goal with Landon Donovan in FIFA.
  • Tweet Landon Donvan (@landondonovan) a video of the goal & include hashtag #LDFIFA.
  • The Goal can be scored with Landon Donovan in a U.S. or Galaxy jersey, but must be in game (not practice/arena).
  • Goal can be scored in whatever year FIFA you have, and on whatever system.
  • The contest lasts until 4:23 PST/7:23 EST, so you better hurry!


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September 22, 2011

**Contest** Win a free copy of FIFA 12 before it’s released

Written by Administrator

TopDrawerSoccer.com and EA Sports have teamed up to give you three (3) opportunities to WIN FIFA 2012 (Xbox) prior to the 9/27 release.

Here’s how it works… We are going to post a different question about this year’s game on Facebook and Twitter for three (3) days (Today, Friday, and Monday). If you’re the first to answer the question correctly (or closest) via post comment (FB) or @reply (Twitter), you win! It’s that simple, and it doesn’t hurt to guess for fun. First question coming soon…

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September 12, 2011

FIFA 12: Support Your Club

Written by Administrator

EA Sports’ new concept is fairly simple. If you’re a Arsenal supporter, the points you earn from the game will be combined with points from other people from around the world who also support the Gunners. Of course there are differentiators that will help level the playing field for clubs, and their supporters who may not have the following Arsenal, or another EPL team does.

The “Support Your Club” feature of EA Sports Football Club brings a whole new twist to the concept of playing a video game. To me, it’s a game-changer. What I think is really exciting about this new feature is that it puts the gamer into a position to make the matches they play online more meaningful. The player will have more personal investment every week, as they try to help their club reach the top of the table.

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