What does the Dutchman do if he wins against Germany in football? He turns off the console. This joke is probably as old as football games themselves. But instead of colorful pixel mash, development today is about stylish graphics and, above all, about one thing: a lot of science.
The choice between FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer (PES) is a question of faith that cannot really be answered. EA's FIFA series holds full licenses from world football's governing body; Players, clubs and stadiums have the real names, logos and appearance of their real-life counterparts. Konami's PES, on the other hand, scores with deeper tactical and gameplay options, say fans of the series. One thing the two games have in common: It's a long way until the ball actually flies physically correctly and the player runs as he should run.
At the heart of every video game lies the engine, which can be translated as 'motor' for a reason. Among other things, it regulates graphics and physics in the game or coordinates the controls between the player and the character. Without them, a game could not be presented in the way we know it today.
Because an engine has a long lifespan - the current 'Ignite engine' from EA, for example, was developed in 2012 - it is often just small things that are improved from game to game. This includes things like a better trajectory of the ball or just a realistic representation of the weather. Often it's just nuances that need to be changed in the engine for it to be noticeable in the game. This is technically highly complicated and is based on both the developers' experience with the game and the feedback from players around the world. “We then focus on situations that were criticized last year, for example the intelligence of the defense,” says Ralf Anheier, press spokesman for EA Sports Germany. Criticized actions are reviewed and changed again and again until they are resolved - trial and error also occurs at large development studios.
Scientists from various disciplines work for EA Sports and support development with their calculations. “For FIFA we need to know how a ball behaves,” says Ralf Anheier. Accordingly, physicists must also be part of a development team. Because the ball has to fly in every situation in the way the player is used to in real life and real football - and in every weather and terrain that can prevail in the game. This requires more than the “speed equals distance through time” familiar from school; Instead, the flight curves and impact angles of balls that were shot with spin or on muddy ground need to be calculated. These calculations are so complicated that only physicists can do them.
But it's not just the physics that have to be right: sports scientists are needed for the tactical gameplay and the strategic intelligence of the computer opponents, who are supposed to make the game appear more realistic with their analyzes of real football games and players. In Germany, this job is carried out by the Cologne Sports University. She supports the development studio with her theoretical findings from research, for example in the optimal use of space or the movement of players without the ball. The most important thing here is tactics.
In addition, current and former professionals also work as consultants who compare their experiences in the real game with the situations in the video game. This appears to be having an effect: a study by the sports university in collaboration with EA, which has not yet been published, claims to have identified a connection between the tactical understanding of a football game and playing football games.
Every player in FIFA receives their own mix of six stats that influence them - from shot to header strength. A database team in Cologne, together with a bunch of freelancers from all over the world, ensures that these values are constantly updated. To do this, the employees concentrate on one club at a time: watching the games, reading the reports and the players' assessments. From this they estimate the performance for each week and send it to Cologne, where it is checked and then entered into the game. How exactly the values are calculated and how they influence each other is unclear even to professionals - but a shot strength of 92 does not automatically mean a goal probability of 92 percent. After all, the opponent's values or the player's angle to the ball also have an influence on the shot - here too, correct physics is crucial.
But the decisive factor is on the pitch, as Adi Preißler already knew. Without a realistic appearance of the game characters, the game could be physically and technically correct - very few people would play it these days. That’s why appearance – from head to shoes – plays an important role. While a simple photo was usually enough for this, in the age of HD consoles it is a lot more complex. Today, the Messis and Müllers of this football world need an entire team to photograph the players with 16 cameras in various poses and thus create a 3D image of the face, which is then implemented into the game.
In order to obtain a realistic movement pattern of the famous players, the stars of the scene are invited to EA's motion capture studio in Canada. Almost a hundred have already visited, says Ralf Anheier, including Miroslav Klose. For many other players, the developers look at hours of material and recreate their movement sequences by hand. A total of over 15,000 players are gradually joining the game. Despite all the effort, in the end the gamer alone decides whether he prefers to play FIFA or PES. Because both series share this important detail: it's about the most beautiful trivial matter in the world.
WIN!
SOCCER GAMES
1 of 3 EA FIFA Brazil 2014 for Xbox or 1 Pro Evolution Soccer + World Challenge DLC download code for Xbox.
To win, write us a PM on Facebook by August 31, 2014 and convince us that you should win!
And a short match in between
Football games for smartphones and tablets
FIFA 14
Detailed game with 33 leagues, over 600 licensed teams, more than 16,000 players, 34 authentic stadiums and commentary in different languages. If you want all game modes, you have to invest €4.49 in the Premium Unlock.
Available for: Android, iOS
Price: free
Real Football 2013
Free football simulation in which you take control of your own initially underperforming club. As a fantasy manager, you get the team into shape, play games, sign sponsorship deals or arrange player transfers.
Available for: Android, iOS
Price: free
Football Manager Handheld 2014
Most realistic football management game. You are the boss of your favorite club and decide on transfers and tactics.
Available for: Android, iOS
Price: 4.49, 8.99 €
Flick Shoot
It's all about free kicks here. You, the touchscreen and the ball against the goalkeeper.
Available for: Android, iOS
Price: free
Fluid Football
In this strategy game you are right in the middle of the match. In real time you make tactical decisions, play passing combinations or precise crosses.
Pixel Cup Soccer
A football game with a retro look. Fans of pixel art are sure to have fun with this.
Available for: iOS
Price: €1.79
Football Club Logo Quiz
In this multiple choice quiz you have to recognize the logos of international football clubs. With 78 different clubs, this could be tricky even for die-hard fans.
Available for: Android, iOS
Price: free
Related articles:
What does the Dutchman do if he wins against Germany in football? He turns off the console. This joke is probably as old as football games themselves. But instead of colorful pixel mash, development today is about stylish graphics and, above all, about one thing: a lot of science. The choice between FIFA and
