Live sports broadcaster Sky Sports is working with EA Sports to use crowd sounds from FIFA 20 to replicate “the vibrant atmosphere of Premier League clashes" in empty stadiums.
With the Premier League poised to bring back football (or soccer, depending upon where in the world you are), match organisers are looking for new ways to replicate the atmosphere of match days. But given social distancing and embryonic plans to play behind closed doors in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, broadcaster Sky Sports says it's looking for alternatives to help foster and maintain the atmosphere.
“With live sport on hold for over two months, we’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how we broadcast in new ways to bring fans together, even if they can’t meet up to watch the match,” said Sky Sports managing director Rob Webster (thanks, The Verge).
“We want Sky Sports viewers to still feel it all and have the best possible viewing experience - even if they can’t be in the stadiums or watch with their family and friends,” Webster added.
In related news, the current season isn’t even over, yet FIFA 21 ratings are already a hot topic among the game’s ever-watchful – and critical – community. As Ben recently summarised for us, FIFA 20 saw winter upgrades given to some of the season’s best performers, but the list wasn’t comprehensive. Among those to miss out were Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood, and we expect both oversights to be rectified in FIFA 21. But who else is guaranteed a stats leap when the new game lands? Venture into our prospective FIFA 21 ratings guide to find out.
Major League Soccer recently held an esports tournament featuring 32 pro football/soccer players and FIFA 20 esports pros, in lieu of the suspended 2020 season. The tournament was organised to benefit Feeding America and Food Banks Canada - donations were made to both organisations after each weekend of play.
Here are the many ways the video game community is helping coronavirus relief efforts.
