In the absence of a real audience, Sky Sports joins forces with Electronic Arts to transfer the screaming of video game viewers to the broadcast.
The Premier League’s return is dated June 17, more than 100 days after the mandatory stoppage caused by the coronavirus crisis. Football, however, will not return in the same way as before the pandemic, as security measures require that there be no public in the stadiums. With matches taking place behind closed doors, the solution Sky Sports has found is to broadcast the matches on television with virtual sound … that of FIFA.
The sports platform has announced an agreement with EA Sports to provide specific chants of the fans, with which they intend to “replicate the vibrant atmosphere of the Premier League matches”, so that “fans do not miss the noise that accompany the action ”. All in all, listening to the virtual masses will not be an obligation, as viewers will be able to choose whether they want to activate them or not.
“We want Sky Sports viewers to feel the whole experience,” even if they cannot go to the stadiums or “see the [los partidos] with your family or friends ”, explains Roberto Webster of the television channel. Premier League coverage on Sky will begin with the match between Aston Villa and Sheffield United and the match between Manchester City and Arsenal. According to Eurogamer, the channel will offer a total of 64 matches.
When does football return in Spain?
At the moment, no similar agreement has been announced in Spain. The only official thing is that La Liga will return on June 10 with Rayo Vallecano-Albacete. As in the United Kingdom, the matches will take place behind closed doors until it is possible to draw a safe stage for the public.
FIFA 20 is available on PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Meanwhile, EA Sports is already working on a new edition, but its announcement will have to wait at least until June 18, the date on which the virtual EA PLAY will start.
