During today’s Investor Day, EA unveiled plans for an innovative social app designed to merge real-world sports with virtual gameplay, using the company’s existing technology. Modeled similarly to current sports apps like ESPN, the EA Sports app will provide users with news, scores, stats, and highlights. However, the standout feature lies in its integration with EA’s sports games, offering exclusive rewards like Ultimate Team cards for its users.
David Tinson, EA’s Chief Experiences Officer, shared the vision behind the app, emphasizing its potential to engage sports fans in new ways. “Our thesis is simple: With the right products, features, and capabilities, a significant portion of hyper-valuable consumer attention is available for a fraction of the cost,” Tinson said.
The app is designed to not only let fans follow their favorite sports and teams but also provide in-game rewards and foster community engagement. One of the highlights from Tinson’s presentation was a feature that uses EA’s proprietary technology to seamlessly turn real-life sports moments into virtual highlights. Powered by the EA Sports FC engine, these moments can be viewed from any angle, creating an immersive experience for users.
EA is also introducing predictive simulations within the app, allowing fans to simulate upcoming matches and even answer fun hypothetical questions like “Who would win between the 1985 Chicago Bears and the 2007 New England Patriots?” This feature, along with others, makes heavy use of AI, with generative AI taking center stage throughout EA’s broader strategy, including in popular franchises like The Sims and EA’s sports titles.
Initially, the EA Sports app will focus on soccer, tying in closely with EA Sports FC, one of EA’s most successful sports franchises. Over time, support for additional sports like the NHL, NFL, F1, and NCAA Football will be added. According to EA, the app will offer highlights that can be viewed from any angle, bringing a fresh perspective to sports content.
The app is set for a soft launch in the fall, with an initial release in the Space region, and will be available on both iOS and Android devices. Meanwhile, EA Sports FC is gearing up for early access this week, with its full release scheduled for September 27.
This new app represents EA’s ambitious approach to bridging real-life and virtual sports, providing fans with a one-stop hub for engagement, entertainment, and in-game rewards.
