Soccer: From the field to the console #videogames #soccer #FIFA

Soccer, as with American Football, has produced one of the most successful video gaming franchises of all time with FIFA. FIFA is a annual series of football association (soccer) video games and simulations released by Electronic Arts under the 'EA Sports' label. The series released its first iteration in 1993, titled 'FIFA International Soccer.' From 1995 onwards, there has been an annual release titled 'FIFA XX,' with the 'XX' referring to the last two numbers of the year the game was released in. For example, the current FIFA is titled 'FIFA 16,' as it is released for the 2016 calendar year of soccer.

FIFA is notable and distinct from all other competitors by being the primary and first holder to rights and licenses for real life players, stadia and equipment. This allows the use of real leagues, clubs, and player names and likenesses within the games.

Above: The current iteration of FIFA, with Lionel Messi being the 'face' of the franchise since FIFA 13.

The annual release of FIFA is accompanied by additional instalments based on major tournaments (this complementary instalment is released separately). For example, in 2014, a 'FIFA World Cup 2014' game was released in conjunction with the running of the FIFA World Cup in Brazil that year. 

FIFA chooses a 'face' of the game to be presented on the front cover. This player is often one who is the most popular with the fans, whilst also containing exceptional and world class ability. Since FIFA 13, EA Sports have chosen Lionel Messi, 5 time world player of the year, to be the face of the franchise, appearing on the front cover of every edition following FIFA 13, while also being the primary focus of promotional campaigns and advertisements. Messi replaced Wayne Rooney, who adorned the cover of FIFA for 7 consecutive years prior to FIFA 13. 

The FIFA franchise has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling sports video game franchise in the world, and one of the best-selling video game franchises. Also FIFA 12 holds the record for the "fastest selling sports game ever" with over 3.2 million games sold and over $186 million generated at retail in its first week of release. The franchise's latest release is FIFA 16, released on September 22, 2015 in North America, and September 24, 2015 in Europe and Australia. The game is available on multiple platforms including Playstation 4, Xbox 1, PC and older generation consoles.

The following is a trailer of the FIFA 16, which promoted the game prior to its global release: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwz98athxQ8 

- Jeremy