Cricket fans around the world are in for a treat as reports are suggesting that Electronic Arts (EA) is all set to launch the game of cricket once again.
The video gaming giants had surprisingly stopped making any cricket game after Cricket 07 even after tasting good success in major cricketing nations. EA Cricket sold over 50 million copies in England, Australia, New Zealand and South Asia but the company decided to not make further editions of the game only to concentrate on other games which had more global appeal.
EA sports had launched SSX and FIFA street at that time which forced them to take their focus off cricket. Few years back in an interview to Gameplanet, Mr. Andrew Wilson, CEO EA Sports, had said: “Well, this year we re-launched SSX, we re-launched FIFA Street – two products that we haven’t done for a long time that both came back to critical acclaim with great sales, both featured innovative gameplay on both fronts.There’s authentic street football with FIFA Street, and over-the-top arcade-driven gameplay of SSX with unbelievable online innovation in terms of how you play, so right now cricket is not a focus for us, we’re focused on other things, but we’re always evaluating the market and looking for opportunities to bring new experiences to consumers.”
Moreover, the dispute over player rights with the BCCI only made the company showing less interest in the game of cricket. However, if reports are to believed then the video game firm is once again mulling on the prospect of returning to cricket within a couple of years.
As reported in the Sportskeeda, a source in the know of things has said that the popularity of the game even after the EA Sports has stopped making it, has compelled the company to consider re-launching the game. The source said that the firm is planning to launch the game as soon as 2019.
“Yes, the board is currently contemplating on how to move forward with the cricket game. We did a market study and realised that close to 15 million people still play the game, even after we stopped producing in 2007. Hence, it only makes sense for us to acknowledge a strong potential there. We are also aware that there are hardly any competitors within this market. But, our primary objective if the game comes out in 2019, will be to acquire ICC and BCCI rights for the players. It’s no secret that India will be our primary sector of sales, and this time if we do venture back into the market, it will be with player rights. Our representatives have already had meetings with BCCI members, let’s see how talks progress,” the source was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.
Speaking on how the latest version will be different from the previous versions, the source said that it will contain all the domestic tournaments unlike the previous versions. He further added that before going ahead with the plan, the company is keen to acquire all the rights.
“The game will be distinctly different from the previous editions, and will include a narrative similar to The Journey, where a budding player will begin his career in a country of his choice. All domestic competitions including Big Bash, Indian Premier League (IPL) will also be included. We are currently talking to all parties who can help us acquire these rights. For the India deal, we have an office in Hyderabad which is coordinating this matter. As I said, it’s very important for us to get the player rights, only then will we move forward. EA doesn’t want a repeat of 2007,” the source said.
He further reiterated that the company is keen to acquire the rights before re-launching the game in the market.
“Andrew strongly believes that the governing body in the sub-continent have to be supportive of the game. Hence, we are currently attempting to figure that out,” added the source.