EA Sports Announces Release of FIFA Online for the PC

The game is currently in closed beta mode which allows players to test the game and provide feedback to the developers. It will change to open beta mode in June 2010 and be widely available.

The developers of the game are looking to create game that casual gamers could pick up and play without the need for a console. You can register to be in the beta testing of the game at the official website here. Not everyone is accepted into the beta program and EA Sports will e-mail you with the information if you are selected. You do have to provide some basic information such as where you’re from, how often you play video games, and how often you watch soccer on television.

Below are more details on the game including some quotes from one of the developers (from an EA Sports press release).

Quote from Executive Producer

“Listening to and engaging soccer fans has been one of the driving forces behind the success of our FIFA franchise and now we are inviting European football fans–in mass numbers and earlier than we ever have before–to help us develop a new soccer game,” said Executive Producer Kaz Makita. “Fans will determine the features that matter most, and at the end of this process, our goal is to deliver a game for fans looking for a quick soccer fix at home or at work.”

“There are a large number of soccer fans who do not want a console gaming experience due to time and other priorities in their personal lives but they still want to be able to play a top-quality soccer videogame,” explained Makita. “FIFA Online will be designed specifically for them.”

Details on the game’s release

EA SPORTS FIFA Online will be released around the world in stages. The English language version will be available to all soccer fans in June, 2010. Over the next 12 to 24 months FIFA Online will launch in other languages across Europe and then in North America. Non-English speaking soccer fans will also be able to participate in the development process of these games.

EA SPORTS FIFA Online will offer an authentic soccer experience with 30 licensed leagues, 500 clubs and more than 15,000 players. During the first closed beta stage beginning February 3, the game will feature a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa tournament mode and a control system that uses the mouse only. At the second stage of closed beta, the game will feature a League Mode that enables fans to manage and compete as their favorite soccer club, and the ability to play online matches. FIFA Online will enable soccer fans and gamers to build their favorite club into their dream team by developing or acquiring players, upgrading skills, and getting unique apparel by earning in-game currency to acquire items or through micro-transactions. Additional content will be designed for the game based on feedback by fans.

Jonathon Feyerherm is creator/editor of The 90th Minute Soccer Blog, Free Soccer Highlights, and Free Live Sports TV