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The Madness Has Begun

Last week at our Season Opener media day, one of the things that really caught the eye of some of the folks in attendance were first looks at two new pieces of digital content that have launched this week.  As we look to continue enhancing the experiences we bring sports fans year round, our new digital content for NCAA Basketball and FIFA are exciting examples of significant new ground we’re breaking.

Just as Dynamic DNA and adidas Live Season launched last fall and signaled a transformation in the way we can deliver sports information day-by-day and week-by-week, the launch of NCAA Basketball: March Madness Edition is yet another interesting way to harness the power of online.  For those of you who haven’t yet checked it out, this one is simple.  As millions of fans are glued to their televisions watching the first round of the NCAA Tournament (including us already disappointed Cal fans), you can also try a $15 version of NCAA Basketball 09 on Xbox Live.  Gone are the Dynasty Mode and some of the other features you’d find in the version that launched last fall, but the March Madness Edition has everything you need to replicate the NCAA Tournament.

Meanwhile, I’ve been talking a lot lately about the number of online EA SPORTS games being played, with FIFA leading the way with more than 1.2 million connected games being played per day.  Now FIFA 09 Ultimate Team, from the same team that developed the Be a Pro feature, has just launched as a $10 expansion pack to maximize the FIFA 09 online experience. 

Last week, I got asked why we’d make a new feature available for $10 instead of just holding it until FIFA 10.  And whether we’d consider doing more event-based downloads like we’re doing with NCAA Basketball.  The answer to both of those lies in the power of the connected experience . We’re focused on extending the core experience, providing extra value and playability to the connected consumer, and taking advantage of the later peaks of the sports season. This is the wave of the future with our sports games.

Meanwhile, I’m nearing the end of my 30-Day Challenge on EA SPORTS Active.  I’ve found a really good groove where I’ve lost more than a few pounds, but more importantly am feeling stronger and I’ve got more energy during the day.  That’s a good thing this time of year.  You are going to hear a lot about EA SPORTS Active in the coming months, as it is helping both extend our brand to new consumers, as well as providing further proof to the naysayers that are critical of gaming and trying to link it to negative health issues. Just ask Alison Sweeney.

Finally, it would be remiss of me not to take a moment to gloat about the phenomenal Liverpool thumping of Manchester United, even sweeter than the mid-week crushing of Real Madrid. We are finally starting to click – probably too late for a shot at the title- but it bodes well for our chances in the final stages of the Champions League.

P.S. NCAA Basketball season isn’t even over yet, and already there are lots of great updates breaking out of our NCAA Football Community Day down at Tiburon today.