Sizable World Cup Deal for Xbox

Collaboration with FIFA and Electronic Arts sees a frenzy of promotional activity starting this year and culminating with the 2006 World Cup.

Following the "spoiler" announcement of Xbox's price cut to £99.99, Microsoft UK today upped the stakes in marketing terms by announcing a tie-up with FIFA and the 2006 World Cup that will see Xbox named the "Official Licensed Video Game Console of 2006 FIFA World Cup", taking place in June and July 2006 in Germany. Which we gather a few people might tune in to watch.

The latest to come from announcement-central at the Leipzig Games Convention in Germany, the announcent also means Electronic Arts will team up to globally release a new FIFA Competition, the "FIFA Interactive World Cup" - a new series of Xbox Live-powered tournaments combining online and off-line action in FIFA Football 2005. The FIFA Interactive World Cup will travel to six continents from October to December 2004, with the finals being played at the FIFA Player of the Year Gala in Zurich in December 2004.

Throughout the three-month tournament on Xbox Live, each heat will see players in the FIFA Interactive World Cup compete on EA’s FIFA Football 2005. Players will also enjoy participating in real-life football drills, tips and tricks sessions with international football experts in between heats. Additionally, a host of guest appearances, prizes and musical surprises are planned throughout the tour.

Microsoft's Mitch Koch offered, "With the FIFA Interactive World Cup, we’re starting a new tradition of virtual football on Xbox and Xbox Live", while FIFA's own General Secretary Urs Linsi said, "This innovative project concept will enable us to exploit further opportunities to promote and develop the game of football at all levels worldwide."

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com